A Decade of Heart on Ice: Smilezone Foundation Marks its 10th Annual “Hockey Helping Kids” Tournament
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the Smilezone Foundation celebrated a remarkable milestone—10 years of making a difference through its Annual Hockey Helping Kids Tournament, hosted at Joshua’s Creek Arenas in Oakville, Ontario.
This year’s event ran from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. across two rinks, delivering a full 12-hour spectacle filled with friendly competition, community warmth, and a heartfelt mission to brighten healthcare environments for children.
A star-studded pro lineup, including:
Adam Graves – two-time Stanley Cup champion and Smilezone co‑founder
Rick Vaive – iconic Toronto Maple Leafs captain and first 50-goal scorer
Colton Orr, Angela James, Stephane Matteau, Megan Bozek, Kris Versteeg, and Brandon Prust
Fundraising success: over $200,000 raised
To mark its 10th year, the tournament expanded into a full fan festival, open to the public and packed with fun for all ages:
A lively Kids Zone, featuring face painting, balloon artists, and engaging family-friendly attractions
Interactive experiences like Shootouts with the Pros at the Hockey Stick Man booth and Chuck‑a‑Puck contests
Silent auctions offering memorabilia and unique experiences, alongside an energetic Hot Stove Lounge, complete with live interviews and behind‑the‑scenes stories
Outdoor attractions include Hockey Hall of Fame trophies and the prestigious Canada Cup on display for fans to admire.
Thank you to everyone who made this 10th anniversary a huge success! We hope to see you next year!
