The City of Owen Sound is preparing to host Hockey Fest 2026, a three-day event celebrating sport, youth development, and community wellness from November 19 to 21.
Hosted primarily at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, the festival will bring together local high school athletes, university players, and prominent community figures for a wide range of on-ice action and off-ice programming.
The event kicks off on November 19 with local high school hockey matchups before transitioning into a full Friday PD Day program. Youth players will take to the ice for skill development sessions led by members of the University of Waterloo Warriors women’s hockey team, while off-ice sessions focused on wellness will be guided by the Canadian Mental Health Association. Later that evening, specialized clinics will allow local players of all ages to refine their technique alongside university athletes.
Beyond the rinks, mental health and personal growth take center stage with guest speaker sessions throughout the weekend. Former Owen Sound Attack player Tyler Nother will speak with families about mindset and athletic development, while Canadian Olympic Silver Medalist Elizabeth Manley will deliver a keynote address on resilience, stress management, and mental well-being. Supported by the Mathew Eckert Charitable Gift Fund, her presentation aims to inspire athletes, coaches, and community members to prioritize mental health both on and off the ice.
The festival reaches its peak on Saturday afternoon with a featured Ontario University Athletics women’s hockey matchup between the Waterloo Warriors and the rival Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.
Community members can cap off the weekend in the Owen Sound River District, where downtown holiday festivities, the Santa Claus Parade, and the annual "Sick Shot" memorial ball hockey games will wrap up the three-day celebration.
Full event schedules, clinic registration, and game ticket information are available through the City of Owen Sound.
