Beneficiaries

The Ice Hockey Players Benevolent Fund (IHPBF) has made a number of grants to ice hockey players since it was founded in 1996.

Some of those players include ...

Karl Rogers - a semi-pro player, Karl was involved in an accident on the ice in November 2000 when he was struck in the eye by a puck while playing for the Chelmsford Chieftains. The damage caused was extensive and to this day he still only has 30 per cent vision in that eye. Karl's biggest problem was that he was a self-employed electrician and unable to work for about 12 weeks. His club had insured him but this only covered his ice hockey income until the end of the season and the insurance took about eight weeks to pay out. The Fund was able to step in and give Karl and his family financial support immediately. Karl had to retire from playing.

Marc Twaite - in December 2002 Mark had an accident in training just after he had joined the Sheffield Steelers. The accident broke his collar bone and bone fragments were pushed near his throat - he  needed an operation to remove the fragments. Unfortunately Marc had not been insured by his new club so he had no income at all and was unable to work due to his injury. IHPBF were able to step in and give him financial aid.

Ryan Stewart - Ryan started playing in 2002 for the Manchester Storm and with the club's early season demise he stayed over here in the hope that he would be able to pick up a new club. During this time he was living off his savings as he and his team-mates had not been paid for five weeks. Unfortunately, he suffered appendicitis and had to undergo an emergency operation. After the operation he decided to go back home to Canada with his girlfriend to recuperate at his parents' home. When he was told that he would not be allowed to fly home for two weeks, as his savings had run out, the Fund were able to step in and provide him with financial support.