Founded in 2003, Play On! was created to keep street hockey alive — and to bring Canadians together through play. With 181 events, 42 communities, and 2.5 million participants nationwide, Play On! has helped generations experience the joy of our favourite game — no skates required. We’re building toward 2026 and beyond, starting with Taber, Alberta | March 27–28, 2026. Grab your stick. Lace your sneakers. Play On!
Hitting the streets together
Rooted in the Indigenous culture of the Mi’kmaq First Nation, hockey grew into Canada’s national winter sport. Along the way, something magical happened — the game spilled into our streets. Road hockey became a rite of passage.
As renowned Canadian author Roy MacGregor of The Globe and Mail put it:
“There is something pure and sweet about road hockey that is worth preserving for generations to come. The game has meant more to young Canadians than any other game in any form.”
Play On! is a truly Canadian, world-class sports festival built on that belief. Our mission is simple: preserve street play as a vital part of our national culture — and bring Canadians together again through a game everyone can play. No skates. No barriers. All ages, all skill levels. Just grab your sneakers, a stick, and… Play On!
Build a team, support a cause, or volunteer!
Want to play? Build your own team and bring your friends, family, or coworkers together for some classic street hockey fun. All ages. All skill levels. No skates required.
Not playing this time? You can still be part of the magic — donate as a fan or volunteer to help causes that Play On! events support in communities across Canada.
However you join in, Play On! is about connection, community, and unforgettable memories. Grab your stick, rally your people, and Play On!
The people make it happen
Play On! is a non-profit organization led by a passionate volunteer Board of Directors committed to bringing street hockey — and its many benefits — to everyone. With diverse experience delivering large-scale, mass-participation sporting events, our Directors are uniquely equipped to create an accessible festival that brings communities together and inspires Canadians of all ages.
Events are delivered by the youth of Canada for the youth of Canada, with funding support provided via Canada's Summer Jobs program.
Canada's first Play On! event hit the streets of Halifax in 2003. Since then, we’ve hosted 181 events, welcoming over 400,000 players and more than 2 million spectators, volunteers, and officials along the way. Oh — and we proudly hold the Guinness World Record for the largest street hockey event.
None of this would be possible without the support of our Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government partners, as well as our media partners Sportsnet and CBC, who help share the Play On! story coast to coast. Thanks to their support, Canadians everywhere can come out and — you guessed it — Play On!
The Power of Team
It’s time to bring friends and communities together — to build connection and celebrate what’s possible when we show up as a team.
Whether you’re playing, cheering, or supporting from the sidelines, being part of a team encourages us to care for ourselves and for one another. Teams are a powerful catalyst for positive change, strengthening individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities. They lift our spirits and support both physical and mental well-being.
Let’s empower one another and Play On! together.
Recent News
Play On! Canada: A Reset for a New Canadian Moment
Learn More
Play On! - A New Chapter
Learn More
Save the date, Taber!
Learn More
Play On! & B.C. - A Long History of Success!
Learn More
PowerHockey Canada and Play On! Canada partner to make hockey more accessible
Learn More
2024 Season Update
Learn More
Hockey Nova Scotia exhibits support for Play On!
Learn More
Greater Toronto Hockey League eager for Play On!'s return to Canadian Communities
Learn More
Hockey Alberta looking forward to Play On! unifying Albertan Communities in 2024
Learn More
Northern Ontario Hockey Association excited for Play On!'s return to Sudbury in 2024
Learn More
Hockey Eastern Ontario advocates for funding of Play On! Canada and a return of Canada's Sports Festival to Parliament Hill
Learn More
BC Hockey lends support to Play On! Canada
Learn More
OMHA expresses support for the relaunch of Play On! Canada
Learn More
Hockey Canada's Membership invited to engage in preserving street hockey as part of Canadian Heritage and Culture
Learn More
NHL Alumni Association expresses support for Play On! Canada and return of Canada Cup
Learn More
Steering Committees Unite to Make Play On! 2024 Possible
Learn More
Remembering The Importance of Play
Learn More
Young Canadians Unite to Plan for Play On! 2024
Learn More
Update on Play On! Canada’s 2023 Season
Learn More
Partners in Sport: Play On! Canada and Canadian Ball Hockey Association
Learn More
Play On! Canada and Booster Juice Announce Multi-Year Partnership
Learn More
Kevin Lowe on Play On! street hockey and the run for the Cup
Learn More
Canada’s Largest Sports Festival Returns in Summer 2022
Learn More
British Columbia provides funding to relaunch Play On! Canada
Learn More
Quebec Senator Tony Loffreda rises to advance Play On! Canada
Learn More

