“I couldn’t be more excited for the kids at Madison to receive this donation from CCM,” said LaFontaine, who was also a former Team USA Olympian before joining the Islanders’ Stanley Cup push in 1984.

The third overall pick in the 1983 NHL Draft and a 2007 inductee into the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame was eager to give the 100 kids gathered at the event something that he still recalled fondly from his own childhood in St. Louis, Missouri.

“I remember the first pair of skates I ever got, and to see these kids have that same opportunity is really special,” he noted. “I am thankful to CCM and the community here for giving these kids a chance to enjoy the sport of hockey and having fun while doing so.”

The equipment will enable kids to sustain their interest in skating and hockey through the Islanders Sticks & Skates program, which provides free ice skating and hockey clinics for people of all ages in the community.

The program, which is sponsored by Hospital for Special Surgery, allows the community to ice skate free of charge each Monday from 4-5:30 p.m. at Lakeside Ice Skating Rink at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and also offers hockey clinics for players and coaches.

“The equipment will help us, because you can’t play hockey without sticks and skates,” said Amanda, a 12-year-old Madison member. “I learned how to play hockey this year and I am very excited to be able to use this equipment. My sister also wants to learn how to play ice hockey and I know having this equipment will help her learn.”

“We could not be more excited to receive this equipment from CCM,” said Stanley King, Clubhouse Director of Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.

“We are so appreciative of CCM, Pat LaFontaine and Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment for recognizing our organization and for helping to provide our kids with the best equipment. This donation will continue to strengthen our hockey program and will help develop the next generation of local hockey players.”

Since 1884, Madison Square Boys & Girls Club has been saving and enhancing the lives of boys and girls who are most in need of its services. The nonprofit provides youth development services for children in New York City’s most disadvantaged communities.

“CCM is always looking for ways to give back to local communities,” said Sean Williams, vice president of Global Marketing and North American Sales for CCM. “When we heard about the program, its mission and its need for equipment, we were excited about the opportunity to help.”

* * *

Former St. Francis College soccer star Salvatore Barone is no stranger to Brooklyn.

The former Xaverian High School standout helped the Terriers grab the Northeast Conference title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament during his senior year.

Now, he’s ready to play professionally in our fair borough as well.

Barone was signed to play for the New York Cosmos on Wednesday, meaning he’ll be suited up and ready to go when Brooklyn’s new NASL franchise kicks off the home portion of its schedule Saturday evening at 7 p.m., against Miami FC at Coney Island’s MCU Park.

The son of Cosmos affiliate club manager Joe Barone, Salvatore was a First Team All-Northeast Conference pick after scoring five goals (two game-winners) and assisting on two others during SFC’s dramatic drive to the NEC title.

The 5-6, 146-pound midfielder also played with the Brooklyn Italians in the National Premier Soccer League in 2016, as an opponent to the Cosmos’ B squad.

Barone played at Bay Ridge’s Xaverian High under head coach Carlos Jaguande, a former member of the Brooklyn Italians.

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