For generations, street hockey has been a favourite cultural pastime for communities throughout Canada
NANAIMO – Building Canada One Game At A Time. Play On! Canada a not-for-profit sport organization, announced today Canada’s largest mass participation sports festival will return this summer with a series of street hockey events across Canada, including on Front Street in downtown Nanaimo from September 17 to 18.
Known for their inclusivity, Play On! Canada street hockey festivals welcome players of all ages and skill levels, from newcomer to NHL star. With a low registration fee of $49 for the weekend, and the need for only running shoes and a hockey stick, anyone can participate in the action. Front Street, in the heart of downtown, is the ideal location offering participants and attendees majestic views of Nanaimo Harbour and surrounding islands in the Strait of Georgia.
Play On! Canada will bring its two-day celebration of community spirit and love for one of Canada’s favourite cultural pastimes to the streets of eight communities between July and September:
“Our youth have endured two years of not being able to play as they usually would,” said Scott Hill, Executive Chairman, Play On! Canada. “We’re excited to partner with communities to provide opportunities for Canadians young and old to gather, laugh and play together again.”
Over the past two years the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on sport participation across Canada, cancelling events and shuttering athletic facilities. Restrictions and isolation have deprived individuals and communities of the benefits associated with mass participation events. Play On! Canada will help individuals with social recovery, and communities with economic and health recovery through Canada’s favourite cultural pastime, street hockey.
According to a 2021 study by Brock University’s Centre for Sport Capacity, Play On! Canada’s sports festivals are a significant driver of sport tourism activity for a community. A typical event generates $3.3 million in local GDP activity, with an average participant spending $514 on expenses tied to the event weekend, team preparation, and training. The potential for a similar economic development boost to the city of Nanaimo is the impetus for support of the event by the Province of British Columbia.
Play On! events are set on a street with custom street hockey rinks. Amid a backdrop of many dozens of simultaneous games, the family-oriented festivals feature interactive games, diverse food offerings, corporate partner activations and special events, including a celebrity street hockey game. In 2022, Play On! will take place at some of Canada’s most iconic locations including Wellington Street in front of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and ICE District in downtown Edmonton outside Rogers Place, home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.
“One of my most memorable and enjoyable experiences in hockey growing up was playing street hockey including when I participated in Play On!,” said Edmonton Oilers captain and star Connor McDavid. “Whether you want to play for the love of competition or for fun and to be part of a team, I know you will also enjoy participating in Play On! when it comes to your city. It’s an experience that helped fuel my passion for the game and one I will always remember fondly.”
Play On! was built on a foundation of providing opportunity for the 90%+ of Canadians that don’t play ice hockey, as well as for those that do. Players, regardless of gender and skill level, can register as part of a team or as an individual, with co-ed, all-male and all-female teams participating in competition. All players will have an opportunity to invite fans to follow their teams, with fans encouraged to make donations to a charity or sport association of their choosing.
Full details on player and team registration, fees and game rules are available at www.PlayOn.ca.
Kevin Lowe, a six-time Stanley Cup champion and member of the Order of Hockey in Canada, Hockey Hall of Fame and Play On! Canada Board of Directors, has long been a believer in the power of hockey to unite people. “I played hockey on the streets of Quebec before I played ice hockey. For nearly 20 years Play On! has created opportunities for people across Canada from all walks of life to enjoy hockey. We will continue that tradition in each community we visit, and more Canadians than ever will enjoy the game that we love!”
Play On! has received significant support from various partners including federal, provincial and municipal governments, strategic partners, corporate sponsors, grassroots sports organizations and vendors/suppliers. The Play On! logo carries the Hockey Night in Canada mark, signifying ongoing support from CBC, as well as new support from Rogers Sports & Media as part of a six-year partnership. A number of community partners – including members of the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Hockey4Youth, Hockey Diversity Alliance, Kids Help Phone and SheIs – have come aboard to help ensure diverse and underrepresented communities receive opportunities to participate in Play On!