Founded in 2003, Play On! exists 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!
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!
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 bring Play On! events to life 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!
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!
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.
