Arpin International Group has become the official international freight forwarder of the 2016 Wayne Gretzky Ice Hockey Classic and will help directly support the Stop Concussions Foundation.

This year Australia plays host to some of North America’s most exciting ice hockey players, including representatives from the National Hockey League, when USA takes on Canada in one of world sports’ biggest rivalries. The five-leg series kicks off in Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena and will also tour Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

“At Arpin, we are beloved fans of hockey and frequently take to the ice ourselves to enjoy the sport with our friends and families,” said Bob Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Accounts, Arpin Group. “It is a great honour to not only sponsor the Wayne Gretzky Ice Hockey Classic, but to help support efforts to reduce concussions, so everyone may keep enjoying this sport safely and responsibly.”

As well as showcasing top quality ice hockey, the 2016 Classic will raise awareness and funds for the Stop Concussions Foundation in association with Nick Rushworth of Brain Injury Australia.

Brain injury kills more children than all other causes combined. 10% of all athletes in contact sports suffer a concussion and 19% of these are unreported. Brain injury is the greatest cause of disability under the age of 44.

As part of the sponsorship, Arpin will donate a portion of its signage and auction six tickets to raise money for the Stop Concussions Foundation. Arpin also shipped two Zamboni ice resurfacing machines from the US to Australia, wrapped in the Arpin International Group logo.

Photo: The Canadian and United States teams from the 2015 Wayne Gretsky Classic.