LEOMINSTER, MA – September 20, 2026 – Despite rainy weather, more than 110 children and their families from across Central Massachusetts and Middlesex County gathered at Leominster DekHockey for Assists For Kids: Hockey Is For Everyone, a special event hosted by Avidia Bank and featuring NHL Hall of Famer and Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron.

Young players of all skill levels took to the rink for an unforgettable afternoon of street hockey, where they had the opportunity to play alongside Bergeron, learn new skills, and experience the game in a fun and welcoming environment.

Each participant received a commemorative Avidia Bank and Bergeron gift bag, a signed hockey puck from Bergeron, and a $150 certificate to open a Max Savings account at Avidia Bank, helping families offset sports-related expenses while encouraging children to begin their savings journey.

As the event’s program partner, Franklin Sports donated more than $1,000 in dek hockey equipment to Leominster DekHockey and provided every child with a $50 Franklin Sports gift card for new gear.

To further expand the program’s impact, Franklin Sports is donating an additional $1,000 in youth sports equipment to recreation departments in each of the eight communities served by Avidia Bank branches, helping ensure more children have access to recreational opportunities throughout the year.

“Hockey has given me so much throughout my life, so being able to help give more kids the opportunity to experience the game is really special to me,” said Patrice Bergeron. “I’m incredibly grateful to Avidia Bank and Franklin Sports for their partnership and for sharing my commitment to giving back to kids and families in our communities.”

The event is part of Assists For Kids, an ongoing community program through which Avidia Bank donates $75 for every Boston hockey assist during the regular season and playoffs, up to $30,000 annually, to fund Max Savings accounts for local children.

“Seeing more than 110 kids show up to play hockey in the rain tells you everything you need to know about how much this opportunity meant to them,” said Don Frost, Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking of Avidia Bank. “Patrice has been an incredible partner because he genuinely cares. Through Assists For Kids, we’re helping remove some of the financial barriers to youth sports while introducing kids to the importance of saving at an early age.”

The partnership will continue through the 2026-27 season, a landmark year for Bergeron as he prepares for his Hockey Hall of Fame induction in November and the retirement of his iconic No. 37 jersey by the Boston Bruins in December.

Franklin Sports will also continue its support, committing to donate up to $10,000 in sporting and street hockey equipment during the upcoming season.

“Franklin Sports is proud to be part of the Assists For Kids program,” said Eve Stire, Senior Manager of Brand Partnerships at Franklin Sports. “We believe sports make life better, and we’re passionate about creating opportunities for kids to get in the game. It’s incredibly rewarding to partner with Avidia Bank and Patrice Bergeron to support youth hockey and help provide local kids with the equipment and resources they need to play.”

The initiative is a collaboration between Avidia Bank, Patrice Bergeron and Athlete-Driven Worldwide (ADW). As Avidia Bank’s sports marketing agency partner, ADW helped develop and activate the program, bringing together organizations that share a commitment to youth sports, financial wellness, and community impact.

“It’s a privilege to work with an outstanding client like Avidia Bank and someone as special as Patrice Bergeron to build a program that makes a real difference in the lives of kids across the region,” said John Taylor (“JT”), SVP of Sports & Athlete Partnerships at Athlete-Driven Worldwide.

ABOUT AVIDIA BANK

Avidia Bank is a Massachusetts-chartered stock savings bank. With headquarters in Hudson, Massachusetts, it also operates 9 full-service banking offices in western Middlesex County and eastern Worcester County in Massachusetts. You can learn more about Avidia Bank at avidiabank.com. Member FDIC. Member DIF.

ABOUT FRANKLIN SPORTS

Founded by Irving Franklin in 1946, Franklin Sports is a Stoughton, Massachusetts-based sporting goods brand that manufactures and sells more than 10,000 products across many different categories. Franklin Sports is proud of its partnerships with Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League, Major League Volleyball, USA Pickleball, Women’s National Basketball Association, National Women’s Soccer League, Hasbro and many others.

Franklin Sports is a multigenerational, family-owned business with a rich history and trusted reputation as a quality sporting goods brand — from recreational sports all the way to the professional level. At Franklin Sports, the team believes that sports make life better.

For more information, visit FranklinSports.com or follow Franklin Sports on social media.

ABOUT ATHLETE-DRIVEN WORLDWIDE

Athlete-Driven Worldwide is a premier sports and entertainment creative marketing firm, highly regarded for its expertise in brand storytelling through athletes and celebrities and in building and activating league, team and athlete partnerships. Athlete-Driven Worldwide works with brands to create customized athlete marketing platforms that connect business objectives with authentic storytelling and meaningful community impact.

Visit athlete-driven.com for more information.

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