Hockey Fest 2026 brings hockey, Olympians and community connection to Owen Sound

Hockey Fest returns to the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre beginning Thursday, November 19 to Saturday, November 21, 2026, bringing three days of hockey, skill development, mental wellness programming and community activities to Owen Sound. 

Building on the excitement and success of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, Hockey Fest continues the tradition of bringing the community together through sport. This year’s event offers opportunities to Play, Learn, Thrive, Connect and Celebrate, with activities for young athletes, families, coaches and hockey fans both on and off the ice. 

Hockey Fest 2026 will also place a special focus on the connection between sport, mental health and well-being. 

Hockey Fest is a partnership between Owen Sound Girls Hockey, local schools and the City of Owen Sound, with support from the University of Waterloo Warriors, who compete in Ontario University Athletics (OUA). 

Olympic medallist Elizabeth Manley joins Hockey Fest 

Canadian Olympic silver medallist, two-time Olympian and three-time Canadian national champion Elizabeth Manley will join Hockey Fest as a featured keynote speaker. 

A member of the Order of Canada and mental health advocate, Manley will share her experiences with elite sport, anxiety and depression. She will speak about mental wellness, resilience and the importance of seeking support. 

Manley’s participation is supported by the Mathew Eckert Charitable Gift Fund, which supports youth through mental wellness, sport and education while carrying forward Mat’s legacy of helping others. 

Hockey Fest will also welcome Jackie Ralph, Suicide Awareness & Community Education Coordinator with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Tyler Nother, owner of the Owen Sound Attack. 

Nother will speak with young athletes about developing a positive mindset and what coaches and scouts consider when players pursue opportunities at higher levels of hockey. Topics will include character, attitude, commitment and family support. 

High school hockey kicks off the weekend 

Hockey Fest begins Thursday, November 19, with East versus West high school hockey at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre. Boys’ and girls’ teams from Owen Sound District Secondary School and Saugeen District Senior School will take to the ice. 

Admission to the games is free, and the community is invited to come out and cheer on the players. 

New PD Day Hockey Camp 

New this year is a PD Day Hockey Camp on Friday, November 20, led by Dollee Meigs of NextShift Hockey. 

The camp will give young hockey players an active day off school featuring on-ice hockey, off-ice games, skill development, mental health programming and team-building activities. 

The cost is $40 per player. 

 On-Ice Clinic 

Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, players will also have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the University of Waterloo Warriors Women’s Hockey team through on-ice clinics. Players will practise skills including skating, puck handling, shooting, passing, positioning and game play. 

There is a $10 fee per player to participate.  

Northern Lights Lady Classic returns 

Throughout the weekend, Owen Sound Girls Hockey will host the Northern Lights Lady Classic, welcoming teams from across Ontario to Owen Sound. 

The tournament gives young female athletes the opportunity to compete, develop their skills and experience tournament hockey. 

Free community keynote with Elizabeth Manley 

On Saturday, November 21 at 12:30 p.m. in the Bay Room, the community is invited to a free keynote presentation with Elizabeth Manley. 

Manley will share her story and insights about confidence, resilience, mental wellness and believing in yourself. Athletes, parents, coaches and community members are welcome to attend. 

University women’s hockey comes to Owen Sound 

At 2 p.m. Saturday, the University of Waterloo Warriors will face the Laurier Golden Hawks in an Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Women’s Hockey game. 

The matchup gives local fans and young athletes an opportunity to watch high-level women’s university hockey in Owen Sound. 

Tickets can be purchased in person at the MacVicar & McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office, by phone at 519-371-7452, or online. 

Following the game, the community can continue the day’s celebrations in the River District with Holiday Magic and the Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, followed by the kick-off of the Festival of Northern Lights. 

Road hockey honours Josh Olynyk 

Immediately following the parade, Sick Shot recreational road hockey games will take place in memory of Josh Olynyk, an Owen Sound minor hockey player who passed away from cancer in 2009. 

Players currently participating in U7 through U12 can register in teams of four, with three players and one goalie. Each team will have one hour of playing time, consisting of 15-minute games. 

Players must register in advance and wear a CSA-approved hockey helmet. Participants must also bring appropriate footwear, gloves and clothing for outdoor play. 

Get involved in Hockey Fest 

The complete Hockey Fest schedule and information about clinics, camp registration, game tickets, road hockey and volunteer  

opportunities are available on the Hockey Fest webpage. 

Local businesses and organizations can also support this year’s celebration of hockey, youth development, mental health and community connection. 

Sponsorship applications close Friday, October 9. Businesses and organizations interested in supporting the event can apply through the Hockey Fest 2026 Sponsorship Application. 

For more information, please contact our Events Team at 519-376-4440 ext. 1237 or email events@owensound.ca 

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