​​​BRAMPTON, ON (February 4, 2025) – As a part of the City of Brampton’s 2025 Budget and ongoing commitment to increasing recreation and sports opportunities for residents, the City is launching a free Youth Hockey Development ProgramIn partnership with former Canadian professional hockey player and Brampton native, Phil Oreskovic, these free programs will provide youth with the chance to learn the fundamentals of the game through entry-level instruction at their local outdoor ice rink. 

Programs will begin on Friday, February 7 at 5 pm at Gore Meadows Outdoor Rink with a special event featuring food trucks, information booths and a visit from the Brampton Recreation mascot, Buzz. The Ready, Set, Play team will also be present at this event and all program sessions to engage with participants and enhance their experience. 

During each 50-minute session, youth ages four to 15 years old will receive expert coaching to develop foundational hockey skills, enhancing their skating, passing, shooting and teamwork abilities while encouraging a love for the game.

This initiative underscores the City’s commitment to encouraging active and healthy lifestyles for youth. By introducing programs like this and through investments such as the recently opened Rosalea Park Tennis Facility to connect more youth to tennis year-round, the Cassie Campbell Field Hockey Dome offering a new winterized multi-sport facility and for the city’s first dedicated year-round cricket amenity featuring a seasonal dome at Earnscliffe Park, Brampton remains steadfast in expanding access to sports.

Youth sports play a vital role in encouraging physical activity, teamwork and personal growth, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for the next generation and a community that values wellness and lifelong healthy habits.

Save the dates | Youth Hockey Development Program sessions

Youth are invited to drop into an upcoming Youth Hockey Development session. The program will take place at five outdoor rinks across the city. Programs are weather permitting, and participants are encouraged to check the outdoor rink status before visiting. Participants are required to bring their own equipment including skates, a CSA-approved helmet with a face mask, shin pads, a hockey stick and hockey gloves. Visit brampton.ca/youthhockey​​​​ for more detailed information about the program and schedule of age group-specific timeslots. 

Date: Wednesdays beginning February 12, 2025
Time: 5-9 pm
Location: Peel Village Park Outdoor Rink, 41 Watson Cres., Brampton, ON

Date: Thursdays beginning February 13, 2025
Time: 5-9 pm
Location: Major William Sharpe Park Outdoor Rink, Phelps Dr, Brampton, ON

Date: Fridays beginning February 7, 2025
Time: 5-9 pm
Location: Gore Meadows Community Centre Outdoor Rink, 10150 The Gore Rd., Brampton, ON

Date: Saturdays beginning February 8, 2025
Time: 12-4 pm
Location: Earnscliffe Recreation Centre Outdoor Rink, 44 Eastbourne Dr., Brampton, ON

Date: Sundays beginning February 9, 2025

Time: 12-4 pm
Location: Boreham Park Outdoor Rink, 360 Conservation Dr., Brampton, ON 

​​Quotes

​“With a city-wide increase in recreation programming by five per cent through the 2025 Budget, Brampton aims to welcome 8,000 more patrons to its facilities and programs, reflecting our commitment to encouraging active and healthy lifestyles. By offering this free hockey program, we are breaking down barriers to participation and giving Brampton’s youth an unforgettable opportunity to learn and grow through sport. We’re excited to have a former NHL player and Brampton native involved to inspire the next generation, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this incredible experience.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
​“This program is about more than just hockey. It is about creating meaningful experiences for our youth, building lifelong skills and showcasing the talent that comes from our own community. It goes beyond teaching hockey to empowering young people to discover their potential both on and off the ice. With initiatives like this and investments in facilities such as the Rosalea Park Tennis Facility, we’re ensuring Brampton remains a leader in accessible and inclusive youth sports opportunities.”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton 
​“This free hockey program showcases how the City is optimizing its recreational facilities to meet growing community needs. By leveraging outdoor rinks and increasing program accessibility, we are maximizing our resources to connect more youth to sports activities. This initiative promotes skill development and is another way to provide year-round recreation opportunities for our residents.”- Bill Boyes, Commissioner, Community Services, City of Brampton

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MediaRelations@Brampton.ca