As part of its 2025 Budget and commitment to expanding recreational opportunities, the City of Brampton has announced the launch of a free Youth Hockey Development Program. This initiative, in partnership with former Canadian professional hockey player and Brampton native, Phil Oreskovic, will provide youth with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of hockey through entry-level instruction at local outdoor ice rinks.
The program officially kicks off on Friday, February 7, at 5:00 PM at Gore Meadows Outdoor Rink with a special launch event featuring food trucks, information booths, and an appearance by the Brampton Recreation mascot, Buzz. The Ready, Set, Play team will also be present at all program sessions to engage with participants and enhance their experience.
Open to youth aged 4 to 15, the program will provide expert coaching to help participants develop essential hockey skills, including skating, passing, shooting, and teamwork. The initiative underscores the City’s dedication to promoting active and healthy lifestyles, breaking down financial barriers, and ensuring that all children have access to high-quality sports programming.
This free Youth Hockey Development Program builds on Brampton’s broader commitment to enhancing sports and recreation facilities across the city. Recent investments include the Rosalea Park Tennis Facility, which enables year-round access to tennis, the Cassie Campbell Field Hockey Dome, which offers a new winterized multi-sport facility, and the city’s first dedicated year-round cricket facility at Earnscliffe Park, featuring a seasonal dome. By providing these programs and facilities, Brampton continues to support youth development, encourage physical activity, and foster a community that values wellness and lifelong healthy habits.
The program will take place at five outdoor rinks across the city, beginning with Gore Meadows Community Centre Outdoor Rink on February 7. Additional sessions will be held at Earnscliffe Recreation Centre Outdoor Rink, Boreham Park Outdoor Rink, Peel Village Park Outdoor Rink, and Major William Sharpe Park Outdoor Rink. Programs are weather permitting, and participants are encouraged to check the outdoor rink status before visiting. Participants must bring their own equipment, including skates, a CSA-approved helmet with a face mask, shin pads, a hockey stick, and hockey gloves.
Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that 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. He noted that by offering this free hockey program, the City is removing barriers to participation and providing Brampton’s youth with an opportunity to learn and grow through sport. Mayor Brown expressed enthusiasm for having a former NHL player and Brampton native involved, encouraging families to take advantage of this unique experience.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, Chair of Community Services, highlighted that this program is about more than just hockey, as it focuses on creating meaningful experiences for youth, building lifelong skills, and showcasing local talent. She reaffirmed Brampton’s leadership in providing accessible and inclusive sports opportunities.
Commissioner of Community Services, Bill Boyes, reiterated the City’s commitment to optimizing its recreational facilities to meet growing community needs. He noted that leveraging outdoor rinks for this program maximizes resources and expands access to sports, further enhancing skill development and year-round recreational opportunities for Brampton residents.