As we head into colder months, it can only mean one thing – HEROS players are out in the community and in the rinks for season #26!
Just two months into the season, we’re already counting on this to be one of the best years yet, so grab your skates, toss on your jerseys (or limited edition HEROS sweaters), and read on because HEROS has tons of great news to share.
On November 6th, Hockey in the Harbour Presented by NexGen Energy returned for its sixth year and with its return came the chance to put a philanthropic foot forward. In total 180 guests attended the Pipe Shop in North Vancouver raising $122,000 in support of HEROS players across Canada.
The generous support of our sponsors and guests will ensure 122 HEROS and SuperHEROS players have the mentorship and equipment needed to thrive with their teammates. We’re so grateful for all those who attended and made such wonderful contributions.
In October, we also hosted the third annual Hockey in the Roundhouse Presented by WOW! Mobile Boutique and Match Retail. Back again at Steam Whistle Brewing in downtown Toronto, the HEROS community came together with Toronto’s best and brightest professionals, all with the goal of putting 130 kids on the ice this year. Incredibly, this year’s event was able to raise over $160,000 – enough to ensure 160 players can play, learn, and grow with their HEROS teammates this year!
We couldn’t have done it without the kind support of our sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Way to go everyone!
But that’s just the beginning… The coming weeks have so much for our players to get excited about.
In Ottawa, a brand-new initiative is in motion.
The Ottawa HEROS program and the Ottawa Senators Community Foundation are teaming up to create HEROS: Women in Hockey! The new program will help young girls who face financial and social barriers in accessing hockey to familiarize themselves with the sport and hear from female leaders and women who have been impacted by the game of hockey. Once the young players are ready to take the next step, each will be enrolled in the regularly scheduled weekly HEROS programming alongside their peers.
The puck drops on November 29th and we can’t wait to welcome new players to our team!
No ice? No problem! HEROS Ball Hockey is picking up steam across the country, with programs rolling out in Alberta thanks to partnerships with both the Flames Foundation and Oilers Community Foundation, and an exciting opportunity in Victoria is in the works with the Canucks for Kids Foundation.
Of course, there’s so many more exciting things to come for our players. HEROS Pizza parties and signature hoodies, teddy bear tosses, first goals, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are all on the horizon for season #26 – and we’re so happy to have our entire community cheering them on as they experience it.
You won’t want to miss this season. Stay tuned and subscribe to the HEROS Along the Boards newsletter to be the first in the know for all upcoming events and future news.