A 43 Oak Foundation athlete in a game jersey on the ice at UBS Arena.
Founded 2017 · 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Breaking barriers. On the ice.

The 43 Oak Foundation gives minority and underserved youth the mentorship, network, and community to reach the next level in hockey — and beyond.

2017Founded
230Athletes reached
25States
501(c)(3)Nonprofit

The name

It started at 43 Oak — a row house in East Oak Lane, Philadelphia.

43 Oak · East Oak Lane · Philadelphia, PA

Founder Sean Grevy Jr. grew up at 43 Oak, in the northernmost part of Philadelphia. He learned early that playing ice hockey was a privilege — one most kids in his neighborhood never got the chance to know.

Coaching in New York, he watched too many inner-city kids hit racial and financial roadblocks chasing the game they loved. In 2017 he founded the program to break those barriers down — and named it for the address of his childhood home. What began with a handful of families now serves 230 athletes across 25 states.

230
Athletes & families supported since 2017
25
States reached across North America
$1M
Grant from UBS & the Islanders, over five years
7–21
Ages served — youth through juniors
Portrait of a 43 Oak Foundation athlete in a helmet and foundation jersey. On the ice

Our mission

Breaking down the barriers to entry in ice hockey for underserved and minority youth — through mentorship, educational support, networking, and assistance both on and off the ice.

The step beyond

The step beyond learn-to-play.

For young athletes serious about hockey, the next level is hard to reach without the right network, mentorship, and support system. The 43 Oak Foundation bridges that gap.

Talent alone is not always enough.

This isn’t a beginner program. It’s the step beyond — built for dedicated athletes ready to work, grow, and move forward in the game and in life.

Explore the support lineup
A 43 Oak Foundation athlete kneeling on the ice in a foundation jersey. The Next Shift
Sky Silverstein in a 43 Oak Foundation jersey, number 4.
Sky SilversteinNo. 4

“Representation is everything — just showing younger kids that anybody can play. If you want to go further, that’s what the 43 Oak Foundation is for. We want to help you out.”

Sky Silverstein · Executive Director, 43 Oak Foundation

The support lineup

Seven ways the foundation shows up — for every athlete.

No two players need the same thing. Choose a line to see how support is built around the athlete.

01

Mentorship

Connecting athletes with coaches, alumni, and community leaders who provide guidance, accountability, and presence — on the ice and far beyond it.

How assistance works

Case by case. Athlete by athlete.

Assistance is reviewed case by case, and covers hockey-related costs — equipment, league and tournament fees, tryout travel, and camps. The 43 Oak Foundation weighs each athlete’s goals, commitment, and need, and support is offered privately to athletes in the program — not through public forms.

1

Referral

Membership is by referral — athletes join through the community and word of mouth.

2

Foundation review

We consider fit, commitment, and need — athlete by athlete.

3

Follow-up

We reach out to talk through goals and next steps together.

4

Support pathway

If aligned, we map mentorship and case-by-case support around the athlete.

“All we want to do is spread positivity and light into the sport. And be real — roll the sleeves up and let’s do what we have to do to help these kids. That’ll never change.”

Sean Grevy Jr. · Founder, 43 Oak Foundation

Built through partnership

These kids skated at UBS Arena.

The 43 Oak Foundation works alongside the New York Islanders, UBS, and UBS Arena to put minority and underserved youth on real ice, in real arenas — and to open doors that talent alone can’t.

Dozens of 43 Oak Foundation athletes gathered for a group photo on the ice at UBS Arena.
On the ice at UBS Arena — the UBS 3 Keys Cup.
In partnership with

Official merch

Wear the movement.

Support the 43 Oak Foundation through official merchandise — and help strengthen the foundation’s mission and community impact. New drops coming soon.

Shop merchandise
Official merch 43 Oak Foundation caps displayed on a table.