Staff Report

TORONTO – The National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) is proud announced Friday live charity Fornite tournament.

The NHLPA Open featuring Fornite was created by Colorado Avalanche forward J.T. Compher and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman. It will feature more than 60 NHL players, each representing his city. Players will compete in trios.

The three-hour event will be streamed from 1-4 p.m. (Central Time), Monday, May 18, on Twitch.tv/espnesports.

The “NHLPA Open featuring Fortnite” will be highlighted by a $200,000 charity prize pool, which will be directed to player-chosen charities.

Compher will be playing with Colorado teammates Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Nieto, while Hyman will lend his gaming expertise from the sidelines as colour commentator. Other notable player participants include Sebastian Aho, Thomas Chabot, Johnny Gaudreau, William Karlsson, Clayton Keller, Travis Konecny, Mitch Marner, Bryan Rust and Alex Tuch.

The full roster of player trios will be announced prior to the event on NHLPA social media platforms, and nhlpa.com.

“Players across the league are passionate Fortnite players. While we cannot compete on the ice right now, it is important to the guys that we give back in a meaningful way,” Compher said. “We are excited to showcase our competitive skills online to an ever-growing audience, and I can’t wait to watch our event unfold.”

Hyman said: “When J.T. approached me about creating the NHLPA Open featuring Fortnite, I was on board right away because I knew teammates and friends around the league who would be thrilled to be a part of this. Many players have participated in a number of outstanding gaming events, and J.T. and I knew players would jump at the chance to come together with such a large group of players like this to unite and compete for charity in a unique way.”

NHLPA Special Assistant to the Executive Director Mathieu Schneider said players have been taking part in countless initiatives during the pandemic.

“The NHLPA Open featuring Fortnite is symbolic of the bonds connecting NHLPA membership away from the ice and their shared passion for giving back,  something the players have demonstrated time and again,” Schneider said. “This event will connect fans to many of hockey’s greatest personalities and simultaneously benefit player-selected charities while hopefully bringing some joy to the hockey community.”

ESPN’s stream of the NHLPA Open featuring Fortnite is part of its commitment to bringing the sports community together through its #oneteam initiative.

Follow @NHLPA and track #NHLPAOpen for all updates on the NHLPA Open featuring Fortnite on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.