Owen Sound will once again celebrate its deep love of hockey with the return of Hockey Fest, running from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15.
Building on the success of past community events, Hockey Fest brings together local schools, Owen Sound Girls Hockey, and the City of Owen Sound, with support from the University of Waterloo Warriors.
The festival kicks off Thursday at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre and JD McArthur Arena with high school matchups. Fans can cheer on the girls’ and boys’ teams from Owen Sound District Secondary School and Grey Highlands Secondary School, with games starting at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively. Entry to these games is free, offering the community a chance to join in the fun and support local youth athletes.
On Friday, players from the Waterloo Warriors Women’s Hockey Team will visit Hillcrest Elementary, Keppel-Sarawak Elementary, and East Ridge Community School to lead interactive sessions featuring floor hockey games and student Q&A. That evening, youth players from U9 to U15 can take part in on-ice development clinics led by the University of Waterloo Warriors and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Older athletes can participate in high-performance sessions, while those interested in officiating or timekeeping can join free evening clinics to learn the ins and outs of the game.
Owen Sound Girls Hockey will host the Northern Lights Lady Classic from November 13 to 16 at the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre. The tournament features U11, U13, and U15 divisions, providing competitive play and community support for young athletes. Volunteers are welcome to help as timekeepers or in other roles.
Saturday’s highlight is an Ontario University Athletics showdown at 2 p.m., when the Waterloo Warriors take on the Toronto Varsity Blues. Following the game, the community is invited to the River District for the “Sick Shot” recreational road hockey games in memory of local player Josh Olynyk. Teams from U7 to U12 are encouraged to register in advance and come prepared with appropriate gear for the fast-paced tribute games.
Raffle tickets for the event are available through the Owen Sound Ice Hawks, with prizes totaling $5,000. Tickets for the OUA game can be purchased in person, by phone, or online. Full schedules, registration information, and additional details are available at OwenSound.ca/HockeyFest.
