Kelowna Hockey Fest 2025 Raises Over $30,000 for Local Families and Youth
Kelowna’s ultimate celebration of hockey and community returned to Prospera Place in August, bigger, louder, and more impactful than ever. The 2025 Kelowna Hockey Fest, hosted by Kelowna High Performance (KHP) in partnership with GSL Group, raised over $30,000 in support of the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, setting a new record for the second year of the event while welcoming over 3,000 fans throughout the day.
Held on Saturday, August 23, the festival was moved to a weekend this year to make the experience more accessible for families, a change that paid off with packed crowds, expanded programming, and a full day of community connection through Canada’s favourite game.
“It’s amazing to see how much Kelowna Hockey Fest has grown in just one year,” said Tammie Watson, Vice President of Marketing & Philanthropy, YMCA of Southern Interior BC. “What started as a new community event has already become a powerful force for good, helping even more local children, youth, and families access life-changing programs, from swimming lessons and mental health supports to youth employment training and academic success initiatives. The continued generosity of everyone involved in our community is truly making a lasting impact.”
The 2025 edition featured a star-studded lineup of NHL players, personalities, and coaches, including Jessica Campbell, Hockey Hall of Famers Shea Weber and Duncan Keith, current stars Brayden and Luke Schenn, Tanner Jeannot, Logan Stankoven, Ethan Bear, local talents like Tij Iginla and Max Graham, and viral social media influencer Coach Chippy. Just before the Pro-Game, outside Prospera Place, thousands enjoyed the free family festival featuring the YMCA Kids Zone and NHL Street Hockey, food trucks, live music from Stingray Radio, and interactive fan experiences.
Adding even more horsepower to the day, the BC Corvette Club joined the celebration with their 60th Anniversary Show & Shine on Water Street, where they displayed over 150 Corvettes. The club also made a special cheque presentation to the YMCA during the event, further amplifying the community’s fundraising efforts.
“Seeing families out together, players signing autographs, and local organizations like the BC Corvette Club stepping up for a shared cause… that’s what this event is all about,” said Travis Martell, Co-Founder of Kelowna High Performance. “As someone who grew up in Kelowna and learned to love the game here, it’s incredible to see an event like this bringing the community together. Every year, it grows—not just in numbers, but in heart. It’s proof that when this community rallies behind something, incredible things happen.”
This year’s fundraising total was achieved through a combination of Pro Game ticket sales, the online 50/50 raffle, the silent auction hosted by Players Choice Sports, and specialty initiatives such as the Jersey Off The Back raffle, where fans received game-worn, autographed jerseys directly from players. Limited-edition Kelowna Hockey Fest X Starter merchandise was also available for the first time.
Funds raised through Kelowna Hockey Fest directly support the YMCA’s child and youth development programs, including Beyond the Bell, Young Parent Program, Okanagan Swims, and youth employment training, ensuring that vulnerable children and families across the region have access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“Kelowna Hockey Fest is about more than hockey. It’s about connection, compassion, and community spirit,” said Marlon Weidlich, Senior Director of Event Operations, GSL Group. “We’re proud to partner with local organizations on events that truly make a difference for local families.”
Kelowna Hockey Fest extends its heartfelt thanks to its partners and sponsors, including Kelowna Rockets, Cwench Hydration, Pushor Mitchell Lawyers, Stingray Radio, Players Choice Sports, Delta Hotels Grand Okanagan Resort, Tim Hortons, Hall Cassie Marshall Group, VP Sports & Entertainment, Jacuzzi, YMCA of Southern Interior BC, and the many volunteers and fans who made the event possible.
