By, Chris Roslan
KINNELON, NJ (January 2, 2026) – When a post-Christmas fire destroyed the home of a local hockey family, the Haskell, New Jersey-based charity founded by Al and Dawn Magie, Skate It Forward, Inc., quickly jumped into action and purchased a complete new gear setup for the player, Caden Lombardo, so he can continue playing his varsity high school season.
Skate It Forward’s CFO Don O’Neill joined the player along with many of his teammates and KJS head coach Jeff Myhren, at Pure Hockey in Fairfield earlier this week to outfit him with a complete setup – from skates to helmet and everything in between – thanks to the generosity of Skate It Forward’s donors.
“Losing your home and everything in it is absolutely devastating, especially for a young athlete in the middle of his senior varsity season,” said O’Neill. “Hockey isn’t just a sport for these kids – it’s their outlet, their community, and something that gives them a sense of normalcy. Being able to get back on the ice quickly, doing what he loves alongside his teammates, is an important step in helping him and his family begin to move forward.”
With the new equipment, Lombardo skated with KJS United, the reigning NJ state champion co-op team, in both its games at the Ice Vault Arena this week, even scoring the first goal in the team’s 11-1 victory over Ramsey.
Skate It Forward was founded with a twofold mission: to support young athletes facing unexpected hardship so they can remain connected to the game they love, and to teach those athletes the importance of giving back. Through its programs, Skate It Forward encourages players to support others in need and to one day “skate it forward” themselves, passing along the same generosity they once received. For more information about Skate It Forward or to learn how to support its work, visit them on Facebook and Instagram.
