The Game that Gives: Moskal’s own experiences inspire him to give back to youth

WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD)–

Remember as a kid attending your first big sporting event–the sounds, the smells–the memories.

That is what the Monroe Moccasins are looking to bring back to this community.

But they are taking it a step further–getting the youth on the ice to learn the game–putting them one step closer to fulfilling their dreams.

An experience some kids never get to experience in their lives.

Parker Moskal knows first-hand the impact opportunities like this have which is why he says it is necessary to pay it forward.

Parker Moskal is thrilled to have hockey back in the Monroe Civic Center and seeing fans making some noise cheering on their beloved Monroe Moccasins.

But something else that brings him joy is the unique opportunities presented outside of game day.

“The thing that is nearest and dearest to my heart is having our non-profit PowerPlay Promises give free hockey to kids that wouldn’t normally have access to hockey,” Moskal said. “We are going to be outfitting them in equipment, having them get on the ice and learning the sport.”

Moskal speaks from experience when he says opportunities like these are life-changing.

The organization’s president grew up in a homeless shelter with his family and endured the every day struggles of life at a very young age.

But hockey was his way out.

“It’s something I cherish every day and wake up thinking about,” said Moskal. “It was two and a half or three hours every couple of days that the rest of the world kind of stopped and it didn’t matter and you’re just on that ice and it’s just you and the puck and your friends and teammates out there. It’s a special feeling.”

Moskal went on to play six seasons professionally in the States and Sweden.

He says he was fortunate enough to be provided with such a unique experience and now it’s time for him to pay it forward.

“If I wasn’t afforded the opportunity to play hockey for free and given the equipment, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and a big blessing in life is to pay that forward and give youth the opportunity to follow that trajectory and potentially get an education, learn some life skills or just enjoy playing hockey and maybe end up professionally one day.”

And down the road, he hopes to see the kids impacted by this opportunity on the big screens dominating the ice.

“There’s a lot of opportunities for kids if they stick with the sport to follow in a lot of peoples footsteps and make it out and do something truly special with their lives.”