Fan Festival returns inviting families and hockey fans to a full day of action,
entertainment and community impact.
OAKVILLE, ON – May 19, 2026 – The Smilezone Foundation is proud to announce its 11th Annual Hockey Helping Kids Tournament, presented by Red Jar Energy Partners, taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Joshua’s Creek Arenas in Oakville, Ontario.
Building on the momentum of last year’s milestone 10th anniversary, the 2026 tournament promises an even bigger celebration of hockey, community and giving back. From 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., fans can enjoy a full day of on-ice action featuring hockey legends and local players, alongside an expanded and highly anticipated Fan Festival experience, a standout success from 2025 that drew strong attendance and rave feedback from families and fans alike.
Now returning with even more to explore, the Fan Festival will once again transform the venue into a vibrant hub of activity designed for all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or looking for a fun family outing, the Fan Festival offers an engaging, interactive experience that brings the spirit of the game off the ice and into the community.
“Last year’s Fan Festival brought an incredible new energy to the tournament,” said Adam Graves, Smilezone Foundation Co-Founder. “Seeing families, kids and fans come together not just to watch hockey, but to experience it in a whole new way, was something special. We’re excited to build on that and make this year even more memorable.”
A Day of Hockey, Community and Family Fun
The Hockey Helping Kids Tournament continues to unite hockey legends, local players, volunteers and supporters for a shared purpose: raising funds to create Smilezones – bright, engaging spaces in hospitals and care centres that help ease anxiety and bring comfort to children and families.
With more than 500 Smilezones across Canada, Smilezone Foundation continues to transform clinical environments into uplifting spaces that support healing, connection and well-being.
The 11th annual tournament is proudly presented by Red Jar Energy Partners, whose support helps bring this exciting event to life while expanding its reach and impact. Each participating team is required to fundraise, contributing to this year’s goal of raising critical funds to support the continued creation of Smilezones in healthcare and community spaces nationwide.
Last year’s event set a high bar, with:
- 14 sold-out teams
- Over 200 participants
- 50+ volunteers
- More than $200,000 raised in support of Smilezone projects across Canada
2026 Tournament Highlights Include:
- 12 hours of live hockey across two rinks
- NHL alumni and some of the biggest names in women’s hockey playing alongside local teams
- Expanded Fan Festival, featuring:
- Kids Zone with interactive activities, face painting and entertainment
- Hockey experiences and memorabilia display including Hockey Hall of Fame trophies
- Food & Beverage stations, giveaways and live entertainment
- Kids Pro-Style Shootout for prizes at the Hockey Stick Man Booth
- Chuck-a-Puck contest
- Silent auction with exclusive memorabilia and experiences
- Hot Stove Lounge with live interviews and storytelling
Fans in attendance will enjoy a star-studded lineup of hockey celebrities, with each team featuring a pro player on the ice, including:
- Adam Graves – Two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Co-Founder of Smilezone Foundation
- Rick Vaive – Celebrated Toronto Maple Leafs Captain and first 50-goal scorer
- Angela James, pioneering and dominant force of women’s hockey during the 1980s and 1990s and four-time World Champion
- Megan Bozek, Team USA defender and two-time Olympic medalist
- Kris Versteeg, Two-time Stanley Cup champion
- Brandon Prust, Former NHL enforcer known for his energetic play
- Renata Fast, Toronto Sceptres (PWHL) defender and a cornerstone of Canada’s national team. 2022 Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion.
Click here for the full roster of pro celebrities.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Joshua’s Creek Arenas, Oakville, ON
Admission: Free and open to the public
More Information: https://smilezonefoundation.akaraisin.com/ui/hockeyhelpingkids2026
Fans, families and community members are encouraged to come out and be part of this exciting day whether cheering from the stands, exploring the Fan Festival, or taking part in the many activities offered throughout the venue. Join us as we continue to bring smiles to children across Canada one game, one space, and one community at a time.
To stay updated, follow Smilezone Foundation on Instagram and Facebook @smilezonefoundation.
ABOUT SMILEZONE FOUNDATION:
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity in Oakville, Ontario committed to improving the lives of children receiving medical treatment at health facilities across Canada. In 2012 founders Adam Graves and Scott Bachly were approached to make a financial contribution to the construction of a local hospital. Through partnerships with hospitals, community centers, and other organizations, Smilezone creates accessible, fun, and therapeutic environments where children can heal and thrive. The Foundation has transformed 500 spaces into Smilezones across Canada, benefiting communities in all ten provinces and reaching hundreds of thousands of children, parents, health care workers and families. For more information, visit www.smilezone.com.
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To download the PDF, please click the link: Smilezone Hockey Helping Kids 2026 Press Release FINAL
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