Hockey Diversity Alliance holds second annual Summer Fest at Canoe Landing with NHL and NFL stars
Free event Saturday brought together professional athletes and youth from underserved communities for showcase of hockey access and programming.
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The Hockey Diversity Alliance held its second annual Summer Fest on Saturday at Canoe Landing Park, bringing together NHL and NFL stars to showcase opportunities for kids in underserved communities to play hockey for free.
The event featured professional athletes alongside youth participants, demonstrating the organization's mission to give kids from communities with limited access the chance to participate in hockey. Marshawn Lynch, the NFL star, added a football element to the gathering, bridging sports and creating a multi-sport celebration.
The Hockey Diversity Alliance focuses on breaking down barriers to entry in hockey, working to make the sport more accessible and welcoming to youth regardless of economic background or neighborhood. The Saturday showcase served as both a celebration and a recruitment opportunity, introducing young people to programming and resources available through the organization.
The event drew families and spectators to the waterfront venue, creating a festive atmosphere centered on community, sport, and opportunity. For many attendees, the gathering offered a direct connection to professional athletes and a tangible example of how organized sport can serve as a vehicle for community development and youth empowerment.
Before you go
When and where is the Hockey Diversity Alliance Summer Fest?
The Hockey Diversity Alliance held its second annual Summer Fest on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Canoe Landing Park.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, the Summer Fest is a free event.
