• CONNOR HELLEBUYCK, 2ND CONSECUTIVE VEZINA AND JENNINGS TROPHY WINNER
• CONNOR HELLEBUYCK HART MEMORIAL TROPHY, MVP
• SCOTT ARNIEL, JACK ADAMS COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE
• KEVIN CHEVELDAYOFF, JIM GREGORY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE
T EAM Ach IE v EMENTS
• FRANCHISE-RECORD REGULAR SEASON WINS (56) AND POINTS (116)
• SPENT 266 DAYS IN FIRST PLACE IN LEAGUE STANDINGS
• 13-0 TO START THE SEASON
• SET A NEW NHL RECORD FOR BEST-EVER START TO A SEASON WITH 14 WINS IN JUST 15 GAMES
• CONNOR HELLEBUYCK LEAGUE-LEADING 8 REGULAR SEASON SHUTOUTS
• LEAD THE LEAGUE IN WINS SINCE 2022-23 SEASON
Our True North
On behalf of the people who make up the teams that are part of the True North effort, it is a privilege to once again offer this year’s Report to the Community. The process of creating this report allows us to pause and reflect on the extraordinary efforts of everyone at True North Sports + Entertainment, and for that I am very grateful.
This hockey season allows us to raise a banner acknowledging the Winnipeg Jets as the Presidents’ Trophy winner. We have established ourselves as one of the best teams in the league, with more regular season wins over the past three seasons than any other team, and are amongst an elite group of teams that have made the post-season seven out of the past eight years. This monumental effort was backstopped by Connor Hellebuyck’s third Vezina, second Jennings and first Hart trophy.
This is also a group of players who provided fans with one of the greatest playoff comeback efforts of all time – defeating the St. Louis Blues in double-overtime of Game 7. I don’t know if words can ever describe the feelings in Canada Life Centre that night, but I will be forever grateful to our players and employees, and to the fans who are part of the Winnipeg Whiteout, for turning eyes across the world to our team and city.
These successes help underwrite efforts to make our community healthier and more inclusive by supporting many organizations across our community as well as the work of our True North Youth Foundation. The impacts made by the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, Project 11 and Camp Manitou are the result of your support, along with the dedicated employees who run these programs.
True North Real Estate Development is now well into its journey to redevelop Portage Place to better connect and serve our downtown community. The health and well-being of our downtown has long since been a driving priority for us at True North and always will be. Our continued support of the Downtown Community Safety Partnership is among these efforts, and we are pleased to see the growing impacts of their work.
As we eagerly prepare for the start of another hockey season, we have every expectation that we will continue to enjoy the success to which we have become accustomed. So, on behalf of my partner David Thomson and the entire team at True North, please accept my sincere gratitude for the confidence you have placed in us and for the encouragement we consistently receive along the way. The past twentynine years have been a remarkable journey for us, and, with your continued support, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Respectfully,
Mark J. Chipman Governor and Executive Chairman Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club/True North Sports + Entertainment
True North Sports + Entertainment
We Are True North
True North Sports + Entertainment strives to be a preeminent organization within the National Hockey League, American Hockey League and North American touring industry. As well as owning the Winnipeg Jets, the AHL’s Manitoba Moose and the teams’ home venue, Canada Life Centre, our operation of the Burton Cummings Theatre, four-rink multiplex hockey for all centre, the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF), and True North Real Estate Development helps us to further this goal by creating more downtown vibrancy, growing the game of hockey, and giving back to and reinvesting in our community.
These efforts are supported by a dedicated workforce of more than 300 full-time and 1,800 casual employees. True North received its 18th consecutive Manitoba’s Top Employers (named by Canada’s Top 100 Employers Competition) distinction, recognizing our ongoing commitment to living our foundational values – Team, Trust & Respect, Integrity, Excellence and Community – in our everyday and as we deliver dynamic and memorable experiences and services to our guests.
Our employees are engaged in True North’s efforts to give back, both as volunteers and donors of the TNYF (contributing more than $110,000 through the annual employee giving campaign), as well as across the community through initiatives like the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Earth Day Cleanup and by supporting the various charitable initiatives of the Jets and Moose. This year’s annual “Community Day” was True North’s largest yet, with 175 employees giving their time to ten different downtown and community causes including the Canadian Red Cross, 1JustCity, N'Dinawemak - Our Relatives' Place, Harvest Manitoba, Main Street Project, the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, OPK and the Bear Clan Patrol.
Continued Investment in Guest Experience
Following the 20th anniversary of Canada Life Centre in 2024, True North has set its sights firmly on the arena’s future by engaging a comprehensive building condition assessment and venue master plan focused on both replacing end of life equipment and elevating the guest experience for all events at Canada Life Centre through new services and amenities. This season, a new state-of-the-art sound system, inbowl stage, and the introduction of Mach 10, the Jets' new house band, brought new excitement to gamedays, while express security screening effectively eliminated admission lineups.
The Burton Cummings Theatre also received a sound system upgrade, enhancing not only audience enjoyment, but services and amenities provided to performers and tours.
Fan Engagement
True North continues to engage with fans to gather feedback on their in-game experiences with a lens to continual improvement and increased guest satisfaction. Primary mechanisms for feedback and consultation include the Season Ticket Member Advisory Council, whose focus also includes broader aspects of community and the sport of hockey, the 6,000-member Fan Forum, and post-game surveys.
New in-game experiences, contactless venue entry and changes in hospitality services were positively reflected in this season’s survey results, with improvements noted in guest experience, game presentation and hospitality categories.
Join the Winnipeg Jets Fan Forum at winnipegjets.com/fanforum
Venues & Experience
Canada Life Centre Celebrates 20thAnniversary & 20 millionth Guest
Canada Life Centre celebrated 20 years of hosting some of Manitoba’s biggest sporting and entertainment events on Nov. 16, 2024. The milestone was marked by a commemorative book overviewing the arena’s construction and highlighting 100 of the top moments and events occurring under its roof. A commemorative coin was also given to fans at the Jets’ Nov. 19 Anniversary Celebration game.
Canada Life Centre also welcomed its 20 millionth guest at the Oct. 18 Winnipeg Jets vs. San Jose Sharks game, awarding special prizes including a custom commemorative jersey.
TN Hospitality
True North grew its operational portfolio to include food and beverage service at Canada Life Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre Sept. 1, 2024. TN Hospitality brought the flexibility to adapt to evolving guest preferences, actively pursue innovation, respond to industry trends, and explore new approaches to continually enhance guests’ food and beverage experience whether at concession stands or through premium services. In 2024-25, the new Sweet Spot, featuring ice cream and desserts, was introduced along with a partnership with KFC that now offers guests iconic chicken favourites. TN Hospitality is proud to serve Canadian sourced and manufactured products and has also expanded its partnerships with local vendors.
Two new market-style concessions will be in place for the 2025-26 season, offering a modern and more efficient service approach. A variety of grab-and-go drinks, snacks and pre-made meals will be available with self-serve check-out which will reduce concourse congestion and provide quicker service.
Working with Community Helpers Unite, kitchen leftovers, including meals and ingredients equating to well over 10,000 meals this year, are safely transported after every Canada Life Centre event to local organizations focused on serving food insecure community members.
Whiteout Street Parties
The Winnipeg Jets have made the post-season in seven of the last eight seasons and enjoyed their second-deepest Stanley Cup Playoff run in franchise history in 2025. From an incredible display of spirit, enthusiasm and belief, shared bonding over Game 7’s “Manitoba Miracle”, and the rally of support that capped off a historic season, fans brought this year’s Whiteout to new heights and created a community connection that has never felt stronger. The power of media and social further amplified our city’s energy and pride for the whole world to take notice.
The Winnipeg Whiteout continues to be a partnership with United Way Winnipeg with $5 per Street Party and Hargrave St. Market Party in the Plaza ticket directed to the frontlines of homelessness, addictions and mental health within our downtown. Proceeds of 14 sold-out events resulted in more than $234,000 being donated to the Downtown Community Safety Partnership, N’Dinawemak, Okichidah Pimahtisiwin Kiskinawmatowin (OPK), and Kã Ni Kãnichihk-Velma’s House.
Additional community connections included a partnership with Siloam Mission’s temporary employment program MOST (Mission Off The Streets) to provide community members with structured work experience cleaning up after the street parties. More than $20,000 worth of pizza was delivered to city shelters over the seven home playoff games as part of providing a watch party experience for some of our city’s most vulnerable to take part in the Whiteout.
Local tailor Tam Nguyen helped True North engage the past as part of a new playoff tradition of outfitting Dale Hawerchuk’s landmark statue with a largerthan-life jersey each playoff gameday, creating a "selfie" spot for fans.
Mark Chipman and Dylan DeMelo are joined by representatives of recipient organizations at a cheque presentation held at OPK in June.
Winnipeg company Dreamcatcher Promotions was the supplier of official 2025 WPGWhiteout merchandise, including locally sourcing and printing the more than 190,000 rally towels distributed to fans at games, street parties, watch parties and more.
James Nisbet Community School teacher Sarah Martens used the playoffs to better connect her classroom (which includes many recent new Canadians) with the community by creating Jets-themed lessons and activities and engaging her class in a school-wide fundraiser that raised $1,000 for the True North Youth Foundation.
Downtown Vibrancy & Economic Impact
Events & Audience
Busy event schedules at Canada Life Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre continued to bring significant activity downtown with nearly 1.45 million people attending 272 events in 2024-25, including 14 soldout Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties and Party in the Plaza events. Thousands more attended True North Square-hosted events like farmers markets, Salsa Sundays, Sea Bears pre-game parties and other charitable and community gatherings.
The Burton Cummings Theatre enjoyed yet another year of record programming, hitting more than 100 events (110) for a third consecutive year. Sited at a historic intersection of downtown Winnipeg, the Burt Block Party celebrated its fifth year as a signature Manitoba outdoor music festival, welcoming a record-crowd of 17,000, including a sell-out night, over the four-day event.
Both venues continued to open their doors as part of the Community Use and Access Program which hosted 16 groups over the year.
Thunder Stadium Concert Series Creates New Destination Summer Festival
Following an extended absence of large-scale outdoor shows in our local market, True North partnered with the Winnipeg Football Club to launch the new Thunder Stadium Concert series at Princess Auto Stadium in July. Winnipeg’s first stadium shows in nearly eight years, Rockin’ Thunder and Country Thunder presented by Trans Canada Brewing Company established a new destination festival for Manitobans and out of market music fans alike.
Graham Avenue
True North is actively engaged in the City of Winnipeg’s plans for the transformation of four blocks of Graham Ave. following its closure to vehicular traffic July 1. Including the stretch between Carlton. St. and Donald St. directly neighbouring Canada Life Centre and True North Square, the vision is to create a signature downtown destination featuring patios, storefronts, greenery, pop-ups and activations. As the project progresses, True North looks forward to sharing plans for dynamic design and programming elements that will enhance everyday use and extend the event and gameday experience for Canada Life Centre guests.
The charitable Guns n' Hoses police vs. firefighters hockey game, which raised funds for The Never Alone Cancer Foundation, Special Olympics Manitoba and Project 11, was hosted through True North's Community Use and Access Program.
True North Real Estate Development
Portage Place Redevelopment
Following more than two years of planning and due diligence, True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) officially purchased Portage Place in November 2024, taking possession of land and assets Dec. 3. For the first time in its history, both the freehold and leasehold interests are owned by the same party, setting the stage for a $650-million transformational redevelopment of the 1.2-million-square-feet, threecity-block, mostly vacant mall into a multi-use campus that will connect communities, bring economic vitality, foster economic reconciliation, and serve as a catalyst for future downtown transformation and investment in our city.
Viewed as a turning point for our city, this project would not be possible without the support of three levels of government, joining both Indigenous and private sector leadership – an approach that is hoped to set an example of how we can begin to collaboratively solve some of the most challenging issues our city is facing.
Healthcare Centre of Excellence
Lease and development agreements were concluded with the Province of Manitoba in the fall, paving the way for the new world-class 265,000-square-foot Healthcare Centre of Excellence (HCCE) that will anchor the east side of the campus with primary care and integrated mental health services, surgery, diagnostics and renal dialysis, and become the new home for expanded Pan Am Clinic programs. Work on the HCCE has already commenced, and construction will continue through the end of 2028 when the facility will be turned over to Shared Health.
Affordable Housing
Construction on the 15-storey residential tower is slated to start in winter 2025-26 with a completion date in winter 2027-28. The project is the result of a historic not-for-profit partnership with Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), called TN-SCO 92 Housing Inc., based on Call to Action #92 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. With equal ownership and equal governance, the housing tower will include more than 200 units with up to 40 percent of these units being rented at affordable rates (below 80 percent of the median market rents for the area) with profits reinvested in housing and public spaces in and around the campus.
Neighbourhood Services and Green Spaces
The balance of the campus will receive an adaptive reuse approach, providing over 200,000 square feet of retail, office, not-for-profit, community use and parking. Anchor tenants will include a full footprint grocery and pharmacy, an expansion of the Downtown Y and improved access to Prairie Theatre Exchange. Food and beverage spaces will be reestablished, along with public washrooms and safe community spaces for under-represented community members.
Mall Remains Open During Construction
While the east block closed for construction of the health tower, several retailers and services have relocated to the central block and Portage Place remains open, also featuring an enhanced presence of community and safety ambassadors. A celebratory community event was held in August, reinforcing that services and amenities continue to be offered and the community is welcome during this construction period. Along with live entertainment, special guest appearances and refreshments, mall tenants and other downtown organizations engaged in special programming and displays.
The next 12 months will bring substantial transformation, some behind the scenes, and some activity that will be visible from street view, including the installation of hoarding walls around the HCCE development this fall. The latest retail and service information and construction and access updates are available at portageplace.ca.
Downtown Community Safety Partnership
With the support of its founding partners, True North Sports + Entertainment, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ and both the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic and Winnipeg Police Services, the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) continues to make a significant impact within our downtown. The courage and compassion shown by DCSP teams on our downtown streets has become an intrinsic part of making the neighbourhood a healthier, safer and more dynamic place for residents, visitors and workers, with around-the-clock access to non-emergency response, interaction and assistance for people facing mental health, addiction and homelessness issues.
Supported by funding from the Province of Manitoba, the DCSP expanded its services this year to launch an Indigenous Women’s Support Unit. The eight-person team is tasked with providing culturally safe supports and services for Indigenous women which will strengthen the organization’s ability to respond to challenges in the community.
More than patrolling and case work, DCSP leadership has enhanced communication and collaboration among stakeholders from the business community, emergency services, outreach organizations and government, chairing regular meetings and forming working groups, including one dedicated to collaboration and training among private security staff to ensure a coordinated and proactive approach to community safety and engagement. These forums have also reinforced the DCSP as a fourth dispatchable response to incidents on our streets, effectively freeing up even more police and fire paramedic response hours for more appropriate calls.
Critical Wellness and Care Highlights
23,613 Interactions to provide food, water, clothing or basic case planning
5,459 Voluntary Transports to safer places
6,297 Well-being Checks
10,441 Call Responses
1,672 Social Assistance Engagements
@WinnipegDCSP DCSP.ca
True North Community Relations
Throughout the year, the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, True North’s venues and the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends spent time connecting with community members and partnering with local organizations to provide support and raise awareness and funds for important initiatives impacting Manitobans. The work of True North’s Community Relations team would not be possible without the generosity and passion of Jets and Moose fans across the province.
$443,000+ Donated to local charities
Jets Alumni and Friends Kenora Tour
Oct. 4-6, 2024
Jets Alumni and Friends had a full weekend in Kenora, Ont., running minor hockey sessions, visiting schools and care homes, and spending time with community members, capped off with a game against players from local hockey clubs.
Soldier On Winnipeg Jets Hockey Experience Dec. 6, 2024
Serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces members practiced their hockey skills and scrimmaged with Jets Alumni and Friends at hockey for all centre, highlighting the strong connection between our armed forces and the hockey community.
Winnipeg Jets Launch Ukrainian Heritage Night
The Winnipeg Jets expanded their cultural heritage initiatives to include the first Ukrainian Heritage Night, celebrating Winnipeg’s growing Ukrainian community. The Ukrainian Heritage logo was created by graphic designer Andrii Sobchuk, who relocated to Winnipeg from Lutsk, Ukraine after the war began in 2022. Sobchuk’s design incorporates Ukrainian embroidery, the Ukrainian Coat of Arms, and blue and yellow – reflecting the colours of the flags, sky and wheat fields of both Ukraine and the City of Winnipeg. The inaugural Ukrainian Heritage jerseys raised more than $8,400 for initiatives important to the Ukrainian community.
At the game, Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and its Tsvit dancers, accordion player Nancy Sedo, and local Ukrainian band Zrada contributed to the showcase of Ukrainian culture while Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus sang the anthems. Ukrainian Canadian Congress Manitoba, Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education and Jets alumnus Dave Babych and brother Wayne Babych, who both work with Canadian Friends of Hockey in Ukraine, were recognized for their positive impact on the Ukrainian community. Canada Life Centre’s culinary team partnered with Mashyn Family Food, operated by recent Ukrainian Canadian newcomers, to serve homemade perogies, meat varenyky, and honey cake.
Jets Players Deliver School Supplies to Gonzaga Middle School
Winnipeg Jets players started the school year by brightening the day for inner-city students with a surprise visit to Gonzaga Middle School. In partnership with the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), Dylan DeMelo, Morgan Barron, Neal Pionk and Dylan Coghlan gifted backpacks full of school supplies while also taking time to visit with students and sign autographs. For a lower income student population facing barriers to achieving educational success, the opportunity to meet role models like the Jets will be an impactful memory.
Manitoba Moose Help Launch Province's First Blind Hockey Program
The Manitoba Moose teamed up with Canadian Blind Hockey to launch the first blind hockey event in Manitoba, which welcomed 20 blind and partially sighted participants between the ages of 6 and 60. Hosted at hockey for all centre, participants were fitted with skates and equipment before engaging in a learn to skate and play hockey session with Manitoba Moose players and coaches from the Jets Hockey Development and Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy programs. The success of the event prompted hockey for all centre to partner with Canadian Blind Hockey to offer a first-of-its-kind First Shift program (read more about First Shift on p. 22) in Canada to provide youth ages 5 to 18 with an introduction to the Para sport.
Community Appearances & Events
Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest Sept. 21, 2024
An annual celebration hosted at hockey for all centre to kick off the new season, Fan Fest presented by Ticketmaster allows fans to take in Jets Training Camp sessions, player and coach Q&As, autograph and photo sessions and entertainment, as well as engage in interactive activations and win prizes.
Manitoba Moose St.Amant Visit Oct. 22, 2024
Moose players spent time with youth from St.Amant’s Autism Early Learning Program.
Manitoba Moose Autograph Alleys
Moose players met fans and signed autographs at six post-game autograph sessions, including a full-team session exclusive to Ticket Members.
Manitoba Moose Volunteer with Christmas Cheer Board
Nov. 25, 2024
Moose players, their partners, and team staff packed 275 hampers, brightening the holiday season for Winnipeggers in need.
Manitoba Moose Siloam Mission Visit Dec. 4, 2024
The Moose spent their morning at Siloam Mission sorting donations, prepping breakfast, and visiting with community members as part of their annual full-team service day.
Surprise Challenge Cup Player Visits - Dec. 2025
In between their own practice schedule, Jets players surprised teams with dressing room visits during hockey for all centre's signature Challenge Cup tournament.
Winnipeg Jets Holiday Visits Dec. 11, 2024
Winnipeg Jets players visited the Children’s Hospital, the Rehabilitation Centre for Children and HSC’s Adolescent Psychiatric Program, bringing presents and smiles to youth receiving care.
The Larkin family hosted over 40 kids, along with special guests Mick E. Moose and Moose players Tyrel Bauer, Dawson Barteaux, Parker Ford, and Ashton Sautner at their full-size backyard rink in Headingley for a skate, pizza party and autographs as the winners of this year’s contest presented by Booster Juice.
Manitoba Moose Stick to Reading March 10, 2025
Moose players visited 11 schools in Winnipeg and one in St. François Xavier for their Stick to Reading program, which promotes literacy to youth. As presenting partner of the program, McNally Robinson Booksellers gifted each student a book.
Celebration & Appreciation Campaigns
Winnipeg Jets Community Hero Program
Jets fans nominated local heroes making meaningful and consistent contributions in our community as part of a new initiative presented by Bell MTS. During the 2024-25 regular season, 43 Manitobans including teachers, coaches, and healthcare workers were honoured.
Manitoba Moose Project 11 School Day Games
Nov. 21, 2024 & March 4, 2025
More than 10,000 students from 152 schools in Manitoba attended the season’s two Project 11 School Day Games where they engaged with Project 11 curriculum, heard mental health perspectives from players and community ambassadors, and participated in mindful movement breaks while cheering on the Moose.
Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Night Dec. 8, 2024
Military veterans and Jets Alumni and Friends got together for some friendly competition at hockey for all centre before Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families were honoured at the game and presented with $50,000 to support programming that addresses the unique needs of military personnel.
Winnipeg Jets #HockeyTalks
Jan. 14, 2025
This season’s #HockeyTalks game celebrated the 11th anniversary of the True North Youth Foundation’s school-based mental wellness program, Project 11 – significant as 11 was the number worn by Rick Rypien, whom the program honours. The initiative amplified the conversation around mental wellness and engaged the Rypien family in classroom visits and a special puck drop ceremony.
Manitoba Moose Women in Sport Job Shadow Program
March 7 & 8, 2025
The Moose welcomed six aspiring female sports professionals to their fourth annual Celebrating Women in Sport Job Shadow Program –a two-day event offering industry insights and hands-on experience.
Winnipeg Jets Celebrating Women in Sport March 11, 2025
The Jets introduced a new Celebrating Women in Sport scholarship to award $2,500 to a woman pursuing post-secondary education and making a difference in sport and her community. Robyn Boulanger, a master’s student in coaching and former University of Winnipeg basketball player who founded Zaagi’idiwin Sport Performance was the inaugural recipient. At the game, local female athletes Leanne Taylor, Skylar Park, and Sara and Kate Manness were recognized during a puck drop ceremony.
Cultural and Heritage Games
Manitoba Moose Hockey 101
Oct. 27, 2024
Created to welcome new fans to the sport, the Hockey 101 game featured rule explanations, the chance to see professional hockey equipment up close, stick taping tutorials, and a post-game meet and greet with Moose players. Tickets were donated through various cultural groups, newcomer organizations and international student associations, giving many fans the chance to experience their first professional hockey game.
South Asian Heritage Night
Dec. 12, 2024
The Jets celebrated Manitoba’s vibrant South Asian community with bhangra and dohl performances, South Asian cuisine, and by recognizing individuals and organizations making a positive impact. Punjabi Community Health Services was the recipient of $8,900 in fundraising.
Filipino Heritage Night
Jan. 11, 2025
Jets fans raised $11,500 for initiatives important to Winnipeg’s Filipino community – the largest per capita Filipino population outside of the Philippines – and celebrated Filipino culture through music, dance, and food. Sisler High School’s CREATE program again collaborated on in-game graphics, and two students were awarded scholarships through funds raised to continue their studies in motion graphics and design.
Winnipeg Jets WASAC Night and Manitoba Moose
Follow Your Dreams Day
Jan. 26 & Feb. 16, 2025
The Winnipeg Jets WASAC Night and Manitoba Moose Follow Your Dreams Day game, presented by Scotiabank, welcomed youth from northern and remote communities and celebrated Indigenous culture while collectively raising over $60,000 for WASAC. The Moose continued to celebrate local Indigenous artists through their spotlight program and partnership with Highwater Press, a publishing company that works with Indigenous writers.
Black History Night
Feb. 24, 2025
Winnipeg Jets alumnus and the second Black goalie in NHL history, Eldon “Pokey” Reddick, was honoured at this year’s game, and new limited-edition Winnipeg Jets Black History jerseys were auctioned off, helping raise over $8,800 for Black History Manitoba.
Community Support & Donations
Winnipeg Jets Open Practices
The Jets hosted four open practices, welcoming more than 2,300 people from community groups, non-profits, sports teams, and socially and economically challenged schools to see their hockey heroes up close.
True North and Manitoba Moose Community Zones
More than 6,300 Jets tickets and 720 Moose tickets were donated to over 110 organizations through the True North Community Zone and the Manitoba Moose Community Zone sponsored by Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. Thanks to the support of Manitoba’s business community and individual donors, underserved youth and disadvantaged members of the community had the opportunity to experience the community-building power of sport.
Winnipeg Jets Child Advocacy Night Oct. 13, 2024
The Jets donated $50,000 to Toba Centre for Children & Youth, a child advocacy organization championed by Jets captain Adam Lowry that supports children and families affected by child abuse.
Manitoba Moose Share the Warmth Nov. 1, 2024
Thanks to the generosity of Moose fans, close to 28,000 items, including socks, mitts and toques, were collected and distributed to Winnipeggers in need through Siloam Mission as part of Share the Warmth, presented by Red River Co-op.
Winnipeg
Jets Pride Game Nov. 3, 2024
The Jets celebrated authenticity and inclusivity while raising $4,700 for Rainbow Resource Centre and Pride Winnipeg.
Hockey Fights Cancer
Nov. 29, 2024 (Moose) & Dec. 3, 2024 (Jets)
Youth ambassadors battling cancer were honoured at both teams’ games, where the Jets raised $120,000 to support CancerCare Manitoba Foundation’s pediatric clinical trials and the Moose raised almost $24,000 to provide camp experiences for children with cancer and blood disorders at Camp Quality Manitoba. The Moose campaign also engaged the minor hockey community with 44 teams contributing one-third of Camp Quality's total donation.
Manitoba Moose Teddy Bear Toss Dec. 7, 2024
Continuing a fan-favourite tradition, Moose fans generously donated 1,124 plush toys and $2,700 to help the Christmas Cheer Board spread holiday cheer to Winnipeg families.
Manitoba Moose Shut Out Hunger Dec. 20, 2024
Moose fans again stepped up to donate over 11,000 pounds of nonperishable food for Harvest Manitoba as part of Shut Out Hunger presented by Red River Co-op.
Manitoba Moose Autism Acceptance April 6, 2025
This annual Moose initiative includes a sensory-friendly game and month-long fundraising campaign, with the sale of 1,600 plush Mick E. Moose toys raising over $19,000 for St.Amant Foundation’s autism program and upgrades to its early learning classroom.
Parkinson’s Awareness Night April 7, 2025
With the support of initiative ambassador Kyle Connor, more than $72,000 was raised for the Movement Disorder Clinic and U-Turn Parkinson’s, which provide services and resources for Manitobans living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Players & Partners in the Community
Jets and Moose players continue to connect with our community and show their support for local organizations making a positive impact in Manitoba.
WJHA
Josh Morrissey, Mason Appleton, Adam Lowry, Vladislav Namestnikov, Nino Niederreiter, Morgan Barron, Dylan Samberg, Mark Scheifele, Cole Perfetti, Neal Pionk, Gabriel Vilardi, Alex Iafallo, Colin Miller, and Tyrel Bauer partnered with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy to adopt minor hockey teams, coaching and mentoring their squads at practices and games while giving young players a special opportunity to learn from their hockey heroes.
P11
As Project 11 ambassadors, Jets and Moose players shared their mental health experiences with students in classrooms and at P11’s annual youth mental wellness summit.
Kyle Connor
Adding to his support of the Jets’ Parkinson’s Awareness Game, Kyle Connor teamed up with U-Turn Parkinson’s to create an annual fundraising event. In its second year, the cross-province cycling initiative raised more than $115,000.
Adam Lowry
Jets captain Adam Lowry continued to represent Toba Centre for Children & Youth, advocating for children and families affected by child abuse throughout the year and at the annual Toba Centre gala. His work with the organization earned him a nomination for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, presented to a player who shows leadership and contributes to their community.
Josh Morrissey
Josh Morrissey continued his support for the Dream Factory with his annual golf tournament and by supporting special experiences for Dream Kids.
Logan Stanley
Jets defenceman Logan Stanley began a new partnership with Ronald McDonald House which included post-game meet and greet experiences for several families who rely on their facilities as their children undergo medical treatment. Many teammates joined in meet and greets to support the cause with Cole Perfetti and his girlfriend Katie also joining Stanley and his partner Riley in organizing a Christmas food drive.
Tyrel Bauer
Moose defenceman Tyrel Bauer welcomed foster children and their caregivers to 24 games this season, continuing the partnership between the Moose and the Kinship & Foster Family Network of Manitoba. This initiative, along with the many others Bauer was involved in, earned him the EPRA Julian Klymkiw Community Service Award.
Jets Wives & Girlfriends Initiatives
Jets Pets Calendar
Players and their pets posed for a special calendar which brought awareness to pets looking for their forever homes and raised more than $26,000 for D’Arcy’s A.R.C.
Hockey Fights Cancer Dec. 3, 2024
An annual tradition, the Jets Wives and Girlfriends spent time crafting with Hockey Fights Cancer youth ambassadors, painting player portraits that were auctioned off, raising $1,200 for CancerCare Manitoba Foundation. Ambassadors’ paintings were signed and framed for a special keepsake.
Winnipeg Humane Society Pet Food Drive
Jan. 24, 2025
Eight thousand pounds of fan-donated pet food was matched by Blue Buffalo pet food to total 16,000 pounds of food and more than $2,100 in donations for the Winnipeg Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank.
Lucky Pucks
March 14, 2025
More than $16,400 was raised for the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy through the sale of Lucky Pucks.
WJHA Volunteering
Sydney Appleton, Ally Connor, Margot Morrissey, Meg Rodgers and Jasmiina Turunen (partners of Gabriel Vilardi and Rasmus Kupari) volunteered at the weekly Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy ice times, lacing up skates and cheering students on from the sidelines.
Growing the Game
hockey for all centre
As the largest hockey facility in Manitoba and the official training rink of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose, hockey for all centre welcomed over 800,000 players, coaches, officials, and spectators this year for tournaments, games, practices, and programming for players of all levels and ages. With the goal of increasing access to hockey and encouraging more diversity within the sport, the multiplex hosted 11,700-plus hours of ice time, with much of that dedicated to youth programs and tournaments. Among hockey for all centre’s tenant teams/programs are the Winnipeg Wild AAA and AA programs, Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League, Winnipeg Rec Hockey League, Balmoral Hall and Sledge Hockey Manitoba.
Jets Hockey Development coaches ran 1,500 hours of programming this year for beginners learning to skate – including a new Adult Learn to Play – all the way up to training pro players. hockey for all centre runs its own signature tournaments, including premier AAA and AA competitions and the Winnipeg Jets Challenge Cup – one of Canada’s largest single-facility hosted tournaments, which this year engaged more than 60,000 people over 11 days of play.
First Shift Introduces Sledge and Female-Focused Programming
hockey for all centre is redefining access to hockey by responding to Winnipeg’s evolving demographics with their First Shift and Second Shift programs, supported through partnerships with Scotiabank and the NHL and NHLPA. These programs directly engage underrepresented communities, breaking down barriers and prioritizing fun, accessibility, and cultural relevance as well as providing the fundamentals of equipment, coaching, and off-ice mentorship. Leaders from Winnipeg’s Asian, South Asian, and Filipino communities are involved in coaching and program development, offering not just access to hockey, but empowerment through representation.
This year, the Winnipeg Jets’ First Shift program hosted 560 participants, with 150 taking part in Second Shift and many more transitioning to minor hockey, as is the program’s goal. First Shift also expanded with three dedicated female programs and one of Canada’s first accessible sledge hockey programs, Para First Shift. The collaboration with Manitoba Possible saw 13 participants between the ages of 5 and 20 fitted for equipment and introduced to sledge, with off-ice confidence being the program’s biggest impact. First Shift will further diversify participation in 2025-26, including with a new Blind Hockey session.
Growing Exposure to Ball Hockey
With minimal equipment and easier access to play, ball hockey continues to be a practical introduction to the game. Supported by the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund, True North’s Community Relations team expanded its presence at cultural events and festivals in Winnipeg to bring a full rink set-up and equipment to more communities in a welcoming and familiar environment, including at Taste of Asia and the Lunar New Year Festival.
One of the initiative’s early successes, a before-school ball hockey pilot program at Meadows West, is now permanent thanks to strong interest and steadily increasing participation. The program sparked a collaboration that will see significant expansion within the Winnipeg School Division this fall.
True North Youth Foundation
True North, the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose are committed to supporting and investing in Manitoba’s youth, dedicating their efforts through their charitable arm, the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF), and its three core programs – the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, Project 11, and Camp Manitou. Each program uniquely empowers youth to reach their potential by engaging in their education and community and prioritizing their mental wellness, as well as through exposure to new opportunities to learn and grow. The foundation’s primary funding source is the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose 50/50 program, which raised over $11 million this season, also setting a new prize record with its first $1-million winner. Thanks to the generosity of Manitobans, including 50/50 ticket purchasers, donors, volunteers, and the organizations and corporate partners who contribute to the TNYF in various ways, more than 133,000 Manitoba youth benefitted from the TNYF’s programming this season.
133,000 Youth Impacted in 2024-25
$5.9M Invested in Manitoba youth this year
$60+ M Invested in the community since 1996
Fundraising & Events
Winnipeg Jets Golf Classic
Golfers enjoyed a one-of-a-kind day on the greens with Jets players and coaches, raising over $240,000 at the foundation’s newest signature event.
Winnipeg Jets Gala
Guests mingled with Jets players who hosted a fun money casino at the Winnipeg Jets Gala presented by Scotiabank, where more than $330,000 was raised.
70+ Corporate Partners 255 Volunteers
Fan-led Support Honours Scheifele Family
A fan-led $55 for 55 movement to support Mark Scheifele’s favourite charities in honour of his father Brad resulted in over $108,000 in donations from across Canada and the United States, showcasing the power of hockey in bringing people together for a greater cause. The TNYF will work with the Scheifeles to dedicate the funds to an initiative that best honours Brad.
Flatlander's Beer & Beverage Festival
Winnipeg’s largest beer and beverage festival featured more than 500 local, national, and international products and raised over $115,000.
Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy
The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) uses hockey to engage youth from socially and economically challenged schools in Winnipeg to be active participants in their education and community and to ultimately encourage academic success and graduation. The program removes barriers by providing equipment, transportation, ice rentals, nutrition and coaching, allowing youth who have few recreational sport opportunities to be a part of a team environment. A 25-week on-ice program is complemented by access to after-school programming, tutoring, mentorship, field trips, volunteer and job opportunities, and other supports to prepare participants for post-secondary education or a career. Most WJHA students start the program in Grade 4, continuing through high school with many transitioning to leadership roles as volunteers within the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF). Former student athletes make up approximately one-third of the WJHA’s employee team, with many more working or volunteering at Camp Manitou. Along with a dedicated team of volunteers and coaches, local businesses and organizations partner with the TNYF through the Living Philanthropy program, providing weekly volunteer support at WJHA on-ice sessions.
700 Student Athletes
20 Participating Schools
7 WJHA Minor Teams
35 Minor Hockey Sponsorships
40+ Volunteers
140 WJHA Minor Players
32 2025 Graduates
Impacts in Action
WJHA tutoring helps build trust, respect and academic success
During the school year, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) coaches and mentors often go above and beyond to support students on and off the ice. After-school tutoring continues to be one of the most consistent supports the WJHA offers, helping student athletes with daily school tasks like preparing for tests or completing projects, to bigger achievements like graduating high school or applying to post-secondary programs. During the 2024-25 school year, more than 200 tutoring hours were dedicated, assisting with comprehension and assignments, and also enhancing studying and time management skills for long-term success. With the goal of removing barriers, coaches often go the extra mile to offer rides to school or tutoring and even sit in on exams for moral support.
From early morning skates to late night practices and long treks home from minor hockey games on weekends, WJHA students know they have a coach in their corner to not only celebrate their achievements, but to talk through tough losses, mistakes, setbacks and challenges. The consistency of the program and dedication of the coaches help nurture positive relationships built on mutual respect and trust and show students the value of dependability and commitment. After graduating from the program, many WJHA students are eager to give back and return to provide mentorship and tutoring.
“In many aspects, the instinct to go above
and beyond becomes reciprocal. We now see so many WJHA students championing initiatives at their school, giving back to their community and wanting to be actively involved in the work the TNYF does to help others.”
When Winner and his family first moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2013, he had never seen ice, let alone skated or knew about a sport called hockey. Joining the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) in Grade 4 as a Canadian newcomer changed every part of his life, from learning to skate and eventually playing competitive hockey to helping him become more socially confident, make friends, excel in other sports, and succeed academically. While Winner has always been a strong student, the community and self-assuredness fostered through the program also encouraged his leadership skills and showed him what was possible for his future. A 2025 graduate, Winner’s dream of becoming a doctor or surgeon will be supported by the $20,000 Maple Leaf scholarship he was awarded, allowing him to complete the University of Manitoba’s pre-med program without financial stress.
More than academic opportunities, the WJHA has created foundational memories and connections. From spending time with his teammates on field trips, playing hockey, or studying together, each WJHA team became like family. His WJHA coaches have been influential, teaching key life skills, values and care and compassion for others – characteristics he is already demonstrating as a role model to younger WJHA students. Winner is extremely grateful for how the WJHA has shaped his life over the past nine years and hopes to one day give back to the True North Youth Foundation to positively impact young students’ lives, just like the WJHA has positively impacted his.
“Being
a part of the WJHA improved every aspect of my life. I could never say enough thank-yous.”
– Winner, WJHA graduate
Project 11
Project 11 (P11) provides mental health-focused curriculum for classrooms, increasing students’ awareness of mental wellness, teaching healthy skills and coping strategies, and setting them up for academic success. The program was founded in memory of former Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose player Rick Rypien, who hoped for kids to have access to education and support so they might feel better equipped than he did in managing his own struggles with mental health. P11 provides classroom-ready, cross-curricular programming in English and French for students from kindergarten to Grade 12, and in Ukrainian for students from kindergarten to Grade 8, at no cost to Manitoba educators.
This year, P11 expanded its programming to 42 new schools and nearly tripled the number of rural Manitoba classrooms accessing its curriculum. The Project 11 team continues to collaborate with teachers, school divisions, and mental wellness professionals and organizations to create and update curricular content, as well as foster connections and support youth through co-hosted workshops and special events. A refreshed middle years curriculum will be launched in the 2025-26 school year, enhancing existing themes and adding new and relevant topics such as responsible digital media use, grief, and healthy relationships. While the program’s primary focus remains supporting local classroom education, P11 curriculum fundamentals have been adapted to introduce mental wellness resources to additional audiences, including within several adult education centres across the province, at Riverwood Square Retirement Living, and for students from Stony Mountain Institution’s Education Program. The positive impacts of the program continued to grow beyond Manitoba’s borders this year, most notably in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Minnesota (local fundraising remains solely directed to Manitoba programming).
Rick Rypien Hometown Visit
To commemorate the 11th anniversary of Project 11, the program team visited Crowsnest Pass, Alta. to host a wellness panel at Rick Rypien’s former high school, which has fully implemented the program.
Adult Wellness Development Day
Around 130 educators, caregivers, professionals, and leaders prioritized their own mental wellness by attending P11’s second annual Adult Wellness Development Day,
by Winnipeg Kinsmen. Presentations and breakout workshops
by specialists benefitted both personal growth and their ability to better support others.
96,000 Manitoba Students
1,440 Manitoba Schools
4,103 Trained Manitoba Educators
1,596 Rural Manitoba Classrooms
145 Fully Participating Schools
115,500 National & International Students
Lead Well High School Summit
P11 hosted its first mental wellness summit for high school students, welcoming almost 500 youth from 38 high schools across Manitoba. Jets and Moose players talked about their own mental wellness journeys and students participated in breakout sessions led by experts on topics such as leadership, resilience, and nutrition.
Blake Wheeler Virtual Class Visits
Jets alumnus Blake Wheeler continues to work with Project 11 through virtual classroom visits, discussing mental wellness and leadership with students.
sponsored
led
Impacts in Action
Project 11 supports minor hockey team after serious injury
Though developed for classroom use, Project 11’s mental health lessons and strategies are widely applicable, which has allowed the team to pivot to support groups facing unique challenges. After one of the U15 AAA Winnipeg Wild Red star players suffered a critical cut to his wrist during a game, everyone quickly jumped into action, administering first aid and providing support. Thankfully, the player is okay, but the mental effects of the incident lingered and coach Brett Wur could see his players struggling on and off the ice. Recognizing the emotional toll it was taking on his team, coach Wur knew additional support was needed.
A few weeks after the accident, Project 11 specialists led a critical incident debrief where the team was introduced to practical tools and strategies for coping with intrusive thoughts and emotional distress. The injured player and his teammates had a safe and supportive space to share their thoughts, feelings, and difficult memories related to the incident, reinforcing team unity and showing admiration and care for their injured teammate. Speaking openly about the incident helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and emotional vulnerability and emphasized the importance of supporting one another during challenging times.
Following the session, and with reassurance that their teammate would make a full recovery, coach Wur noticed a positive change within the team. While his players dealt with great adversity, the team emerged with new strategies and a stronger foundation for supporting themselves and each other through future challenges.
“As coaching staff, there was only so much we could say to help them get through it. Project 11 gave them a space to freely talk with each other and get the support they needed.”
– Brett Wur, hockey coach
Project 11 intern finds strength in helping others
Katherine did not have the benefit of being taught Project 11 during her time in school, but a twist of luck brought its lessons into her life when she needed them most. Fluent in French, she and her friends had an opportunity to participate in filming French language curriculum videos for the program. At the time, she was facing significant life changes. Through the filming process, she learned about tools and resources to help her prioritize her own mental wellness as she moved from her family farm to an apartment in the city to attend university. For her, simple yet intentional actions like colouring, practicing breathing techniques, exercising, spending time with friends, and getting outside for fresh air were key to managing stress. The experience with Project 11 also created an openness among her friend group in talking about mental health.
While Katherine wished she had learned about Project 11 sooner and had been able to apply some of the wellness strategies to stresses and challenges experienced in grade school, she is grateful to have the knowledge now and know youth are being supported in the classroom.
Katherine credits Project 11 for inspiring her to pursue a career in human resources with the goal of working for an organization that provides mental health supports to youth. As a first step in this career path, she was able to spend the summer interning with Project 11. She wants to continue to encourage conversations about mental wellness, as she believes it’s important for young people to know there are always resources and people to support them so they never have to struggle alone.
“This has truly been a dream come true for me to work with Project 11 and talk about mental health. I felt like I was finally heard and could get help for myself while inspiring others.”
– Katherine, Project 11 intern
Camp Manitou
Camp Manitou is a 39-acre, four-season camp that provides educational and recreational programming, accessible top-grade facilities, and an escape to nature just five minutes outside of Winnipeg. With the goal of making camp experiences more accessible, a subsidy program for non-profits and underserved schools and individuals makes more than half of camper visits possible. This includes the invitation for all student athletes of its sister program, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA), to attend a fully covered week of camp. Additional leadership, volunteer and job opportunities make Camp Manitou an essential part of the WJHA’s overall offerings and impacts. A record number of WJHA students and graduates made up 30 percent of camp’s summer employee team in 2025.
The serene setting, robust amenities and ability to facilitate tailored programming and team-building continues to attract new campers, businesses and special interest groups. This summer, Camp Manitou broke attendance records while fostering shared experiences and connections for new groups including the Manitoba Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada’s Kidney Camp and Manitoba Firefighters Burn Fund’s Camp Phoenix.
TNYF Training, a branch of Camp Manitou, continues to grow, with an expanded team and new certified training offerings in the specialized areas of Outdoor/Wilderness, First Aid, Youth, Mental Health, and Team Building. Seven new courses launched over the spring and summer, including a Land Based Learning program, which combines activities like fire-building, canoeing and archery with Indigenous games and teachings by Indigenous Elders. Whether on location or at the new Winnipeg Foundation Training Centre on Manitou’s grounds, all training proceeds are reinvested in True North Youth Foundation programs, including to subsidize camp experiences and training opportunities.
39 Acres
2.6-Acre Custom-Made Lake
1 NHL-sized outdoor rink - Canada Life rink
12,000 Summer Camper Days
Human Foosball
Perfect for a game of human foosball or soccer, a covered structure with suspended bungee cords and a turf surface introduced unique new activities thanks to funds raised by the Travis Price Classic Golf Tournament.
12 Cabins
180 Beds
35,000+ Total 2024-25 Camper Days
Donor Appreciation
New plaques and signage honouring donors’ generous contributions officially marked the completion of Camp Manitou’s capital campaign, launched in 2019. The $9-million 11-acre expansion was substantially completed in 2022.
Impacts in Action
TNYF Training and N’Dinawemak partner to create a cycle of giving back
TNYF Training has established a long-term partnership with N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives Place to provide critical training courses for its staff, helping them in their mission to support individuals experiencing homelessness and facing mental health challenges, addiction, and other life difficulties. As an overnight emergency shelter, N’Dinawemak staff frequently handle medical emergencies and crises, making the courses TNYF Training teaches, like Standard First Aid, WHMIS, Psychological First Aid, and ASIST Suicide Prevention First Aid courses, essential to their roles. TNYF Training’s interactive and hands-on training approach also ensures participants are actively involved in the learning process.
With a shared mission to uplift Manitobans, the partnership creates a cycle of giving back for both organizations. All of TNYF Training’s proceeds are reinvested in Manitoba youth through the True North Youth Foundation and its core programs, aligning with N’Dinawemak’s commitment to investing in the local community. TNYF Training also gives back, offering a First Aid Basics course at no cost to N’Dinawemak’s shelter visitors, giving them the skills to be able to assist fellow neighbours experiencing a medical emergency before a staff member or first responder arrives.
“By partnering with TNYF Training, we get to provide our staff with essential training courses while reinvesting back into the community through the True North Youth Foundation. With 50 percent of our staff coming from one of our shelter beds, TNYF Training meets them where they’re at and makes sure they grasp what they’re being trained.”
– Nicholas Candaele, Director of Development, N’Dinawemak
Travis Price legacy: enriching Manitoba youth
Travis Price had a zest for life, loved the great outdoors, and spent many formative years at the family cottage and attending summer camp. At just 16, Travis passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition, during a game of high school hockey. Supported by the Price family, three of Travis’ closest friends - Adam Coates, Taylor Ethans and Connor McGarry - launched the Travis Price Classic Golf Tournament (TPC) in his honour, with the goal of raising funds to enrich the lives of other youth through a cause that embodies Travis’ own values of kindness, inclusiveness, adventure and teamwork. Since 2010, the TPC has raised more than $4 million for Manitoba camps, including $2.8 million for Camp Manitou over the past 11 years. These funds have gone toward building new cabins, climbing walls, a zipline and the newest addition, a human foosball activity, as well as installing outdoor fitness equipment, a custom-made lake and a variety of other activity centres which have provided new opportunities for more youth to learn and grow.
Over and above the annual tournament, the Price family donated funds to build a modern and expanded lodge – The Travis Price Centre – which allowed Camp Manitou to more than double its daily summer attendance.
With a celebration of camaraderie and charity held for each year of Travis’ life, the 2025 tournament marked the 16th and final TPC. Through this generosity, countless youth have been meaningfully impacted in Travis’ memory, developing life skills, cultivating friendships, gaining newfound confidence and independence and most of all, creating memories and having fun.
“We are immeasurably grateful for the generosity of the Price family and supporters of the Travis Price Classic which have allowed us to welcome even more kids to camp –especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the benefits of camp. We are honoured to carry on Travis’ legacy through our work to empower youth and look forward to continuing to build kids up through nature and adventure reflective of Travis’ own spirit.”
