Our True North Report to the Community 2022-23

OUR TRUE NORTH

Dale Hawerchuk Statue Unveiling

On Oct. 1, 2022, thousands of community members joined Dale Hawerchuk’s family and distinguished guests as some of Hawerchuk’s closest friends and former teammates unveiled a statue immortalizing one of the greatest Winnipeg Jets players of all time in True North Square.

Designed and crafted by Eric Blome, the statue points toward True North with the pose itself intentionally selected by Hawerchuk’s family to represent the concept of striving, embodying Hawerchuk’s on-ice work ethic and the giving life he lived.

Mark Chipman and Craig Heisinger were privileged to be able to share with Hawerchuk, their intention to erect a statue in his honour, and received his blessing to do so prior to his passing in August 2020.

Hawerchuk’s legacy lives on with Winnipeggers, Manitobans and hockey fans from far and wide able to pay tribute to one of the game’s greatest players, and greatest human beings.

“Now he is home, here again, in Winnipeg.”

– Crystal Hawerchuk, wife

Learn more about the Legend

Our True North

It is with great pleasure and immense gratitude that we bring you this year’s True North Report to the Community.

It was an exciting year for True North for many reasons – perhaps most notably for its resemblance to pre-pandemic seasons, with a full schedule of uninterrupted events, increased activity and vibrancy across our downtown, and engagement within our community. On the ice, we witnessed some remarkable moments, heart-pounding victories, and heartbreaking losses. We were thrilled to celebrate the return of the Winnipeg Whiteout together, but disappointed, along with all of you, that we did not make it further into our playoff run.

I understand the passion and expectations of our fans, it’s what set me on this journey 27 seasons ago.

From our humble beginnings we have maintained a commitment to invest in our players, coaching staff, and the infrastructure necessary in our pursuit to bring a championship to Winnipeg, and to ensure our fans enjoy an NHL experience in all respects. To that end, by the time the 2023-24 season begins, we will have invested as much in upgrading Canada Life Centre as we did in building it.

Furthermore, we remain committed to bringing together a team that embodies the values of our community. We seek players with immense talent but who demonstrate character, integrity, and a genuine desire to represent Winnipeg proudly. Our goal is not just to win games but to build a team that reflects the spirit and resilience of our province. The young men we have been fortunate to draft continue to possess those qualities.

At True North, our commitment also extends well beyond hockey. We firmly believe in the power of sports and entertainment to bring people together, inspire, and create positive change. With this purpose in mind, we have consistently strived to make a meaningful impact across our community.

A particular highlight has been your tremendous support of the True North Youth Foundation. Thanks to your continued generosity in purchasing 50/50 tickets at Jets and Moose games this season, the TNYF has enriched the lives of more than 111,000 Manitoba youth through the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, Project 11, and Camp Manitou (pp. 28-35).

As part of our continued commitment to reinvest in our downtown, we have taken on the challenge of transforming Portage Place in order to better serve and connect our downtown communities. The future Portage Place campus will remove barriers and fill a critical need for access to healthcare, affordable housing, greenspaces, arts, culture, and neighborhood services for people who need them right within our core. It’s a cooperative effort for which we are grateful to the many partners who share our vision for this vital project (p. 11).

Looking ahead, we are very excited about the possibilities that lie before us for 2023-24 and we welcome you, your friends, and your families to join us for a game, a concert, or a community event.

With the support of my family and partner David Thomson, and the dedication of the entire True North Sports + Entertainment organization, please know we will continue striving to be a source of pride for our community. Without your support, none of that would be possible, and for that we remain humbled and grateful.

Respectfully,

Mark J. Chipman Governor & Executive Chairman Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club / True North Sports + Entertainment

TRUE NORTH SPORTS+ENTERTAINMENT

We Are True North

Over the past season, True North grew its workforce to over 300 full-time employees who support the operations of nine business arms, along with more than 1,000 part-time employees who further support our teams, venues, events, and programming. In addition to the Winnipeg Jets, Manitoba Moose, True North Youth Foundation, True North Real Estate Development and TN Touring, True North’s varied portfolio encompasses ten different work locations in Winnipeg, including Canada Life Centre, the Burton Cummings Theatre, True North Square, our four-rink multiplex hockey for all centre, Camp Manitou, and five Jets Gear retail stores.

True North was again recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers, according to Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition, marking the 16th consecutive year of earning this distinction. Among the factors recognized with the Top Employer title are True North’s strong emphasis on culture and on leading with our core values of Team, Trust and Respect, Do the Right Thing, and Continuous Improvement.

True North also works to foster an engaging and participative workplace. Employees are active in True North’s wellness programs which include rewarding employees for healthy and green living through monthly challenges, and seasonal activities like a summer running club, and annual hockey and Slo-pitch tournaments. Additional team building events include an annual Camp Day and internal celebrations around special Jets and Moose games for events such as Filipino Heritage Night, South Asian Heritage Night and WASAC/Follow Your Dreams games.

True North also held an inaugural True North Summit for full-time employees in September 2022 to kick off the 2022-23 season. The day of learning and inspiration followed the theme of courage, with speakers including Mark Chipman, Kevin Cheveldayoff, Sheldon Kennedy, and keynote speaker Kaleb Dahlgren, who shared his inspiring story of surviving the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy.

True North Employees in the Community

True North once again gathered for the long-standing tradition of “Service Day” during the holiday season, when employees lend their time volunteering in the community. This season, employees packed hampers at Winnipeg Harvest, made sandwiches and care packages to support the work of Red Road Lodge, Community 204, N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place and the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP) in caring for the community, and had the opportunity to walk along with frontline members of the DCSP to learn more about their critical work.

As a proud downtown neighbour, True North joined other downtown businesses in cleaning up the neighbourhood as part of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Earth Day Cleanup this spring.

True North employees have many opportunities to show their support of the work of the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF), both through volunteering and an annual giving campaign, which again resulted in more than $100,000 in donations this year. From working with kids on the ice and in the dressing room as part of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy to volunteering at special events like the Winnipeg Jets Gala and Flatlander’s Beer Festival, True North employees continue to show up in support of the TNYF (pp. 28-35).

Diversity & Inclusion

True North is committed to diversity and inclusion through ongoing training and by creating authentic learning opportunities, which include engaging employees in both the Jets and Moose diversity and inclusion events and initiatives.

This season, as part of overall learning and training opportunities, True North’s workforce took in a live session with the NHL’s Executive Vice President, Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs, Kim Davis, who shared insights from her career in corporate responsibility and inclusion and spoke on the importance of allyship and in cultivating a culture where employees can be and bring their whole selves to the workplace.

Employees continue to have access to a robust and ever-expanding collection of online and hard copy books and resource materials curated with the intention to educate and encourage important conversations.

True North again partnered with Indigenous groups to bring more awareness to the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In partnership with Canadian Aboriginal Human Resources Development (CAHRD), employees visited Neeginan Centre to hear from speakers and participate in roundtable sharing and activities with Neeginan students and instructors. All in attendance wore specially designed orange shirts by Neeginan College of Applied Technology student and Long Plain First Nation native, Cyle Daniels. Daniels enjoyed international exposure after his shirt caught the attention of WWE star Ronda Rousey who was at Canada Life Centre for a WWE Smackdown event and proudly wore the shirt for her televised matches.

True North is an employer partner with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI). A 2023 CCDI evaluation of our D&I work earned a “Progressive” rating, acknowledging that True North recognizes the value of diversity, equity and inclusion, is making progress in implementing programs within our existing organizational vision and strategic framework, and that momentum is building throughout the organization. True North is also a member of the Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity & Equity (CODE) Coalition through the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

2023 Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties

For the first time post-pandemic, Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties made their return to the area surrounding Canada Life Centre, thanks to a partnership with Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) and the support of the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg.

Five thousand people brought energy to our downtown streets for each of two late April Street Parties, which again benefitted United Way Winnipeg (UWW) and agencies whose work is centred

around supporting those in our city experiencing homelessness, addictions and mental health challenges. This year, $50,000 was provided to N’Dinawemak – Our Relatives’ Place, Main Street Project, Velma’s House, Astum Apio Niikinaahk, and the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre.

True North’s Sr. Vice President of Venues & Entertainment Kevin Donnelly and outgoing EDW CEO Dayna Spiring had the privilege of joining UWW CEO Michael Richardson to meet with some of these agencies and learn more about their work and the impacts the Winnipeg Whiteout donations will have in the community.

Spirit of Winnipeg Award

True North was honoured to be the 2023 recipient of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Winnipeg Award. The award recognizes an outstanding effort and commitment to improving the city, which began with the return of the Winnipeg Jets and the development of True North Square, and continues through the work of the True North Youth Foundation and ongoing investment in downtown with the future redevelopment of Portage Place.

FAN ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERIENCE

Season Ticket Member Advisory Council and Fan Forum

As part of a renewed commitment to improving the fan experience, True North introduced a number of new fan engagement initiatives in 2022-23. The Winnipeg Jets Season Ticket Member Advisory Council (STMAC) brought together 13 passionate Members to create a forum for important discussions on the gameday and fan journey experience, not only for the benefit of Members but for the larger Winnipeg Jets fanbase. Discussions also focused on broader organizational themes including fan growth, diversity and inclusion initiatives and community impact to ensure that True North continues to meaningfully connect fans with our team, organization, and events.

The STMAC has provided valuable consultation in a number of areas, including on marketing initiatives, ticket promotions and promotional and celebratory games, like the new Filipino Heritage and South Asian Heritage games introduced last season, as well as regarding hockey for all centre’s new Grow the Game program (more on p. 27 ). STMAC discussions have also influenced the new STM Ticket Swap benefit to be introduced for the 2023-24 season, as well as new “Hockey 101” tools and resources that will provide better understanding and engagement to those new to hockey.

Members will regroup in 2023-24 for the second of their two-year term. Member initiated topics that will continue to be discussed include improved and expanded use of the Winnipeg Jets app, assistance with STM share partner management and creating meaningful team and player engagement opportunities for Members and fans.

The overwhelming and enthusiastic response of our Season Ticket Members in applying for the STMAC prompted the launch of the Winnipeg Jets Fan Forum. The Fan Forum is a complement to the council, providing another avenue for Members and the broader fanbase to share feedback and ideas through monthly surveys and periodic focus groups. Fans are encouraged to join the Fan Forum at WinnipegJets.com/FANS/FANFORUM.

The New Official App of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose

True North launched a brand new custom app for both the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose to start the 2022-23 season. Providing one of the best user experiences in professional sports team apps, the award-winning app is a one-stop shop for Jets and Moose fandom through which fans can access real-time team news, content, info and Member discounts, play interactive games, and manage all tickets for Canada Life Centre and Burton Cummings Theatre events, as well as register for hockey for all centre programming. The app is home to the Jets 360 reward program, also newly launched last season. Reflecting the importance of community to True North, the Jets and Moose, community engagement is built right into Jets 360 challenges, encouraging fans to visit and learn more about local landmarks and community events, among other challenges, through which fans earn pucks that lead to rewards.

Canada Life Centre Renovations

Following a $13-million investment in the guest experience this off-season, True North has now reinvested as much into Canada Life Centre as it did in building it in 2004. An expanded north concourse will be unveiled to start the 2023-24 season, introducing new concessions and providing additional space on the main concourse to improve guest flow.

Extensive renovations have also expanded and fully renovated the Premium Club and introduced the new Scotia Wealth Management Premium Club and Premium Event Level. These reimagined spaces offer an elevated guest experience and enhanced food and beverage offerings and amenities.

Additional in-arena renovations now bring the latest trend in premium experiences to Canada Life Centre with the elevated PlayNow Lounge. Three 24-person suites have been transformed to present a new modernized lounge featuring luxurious theatre-style seating and inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages with private bar and in-seat service for all Jets games and entertainment events held in Canada Life Centre. This premium concept has been popularized at many other leading venues across North America, proving to be an in-demand way for guests to enjoy sports and entertainment as well as entertain customers, reward employees, and network with other businesses.

A complete Wi-Fi upgrade has also optimized wireless service for all in-venue technology and guest use.

DOWNTOWN INVESTMENT

True North Events and Celebrations Draw More Than One Million Downtown

For True North, 2022-23 was the first post-pandemic season that resembled the pre-pandemic event calendar. More than 1.2 million people were drawn downtown for 229 hockey games, concerts, and other special events held at Canada Life Centre and the Burton Cummings Theatre between July 2022 and June 2023, including a record-high 101 events at the historic Burt. Nearly 13,000 more people gathered outdoors for ancillary Winnipeg Jets playoff events held on Donald Street and at True North Square with thousands more attending a busy calendar of community events in True North Square’s plaza throughout the year, including for the Dale Hawerchuk statue unveiling, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce 150th anniversary celebration, Canada Life Centre pre-event parties, farmers markets, live musicians, Salsa Sundays, community yoga and more.

Kevin Walters Celebration Plaza

As part of a broader Smith Street improvement project, True North will expand the greenspace adjacent to the Burton Cummings Theatre at Smith and Notre Dame and dedicate a new park to long-time Winnipeg arts and culture advocate, Kevin Walters. Walters, who passed away in 2014 following a battle with cancer, was a long-time concert promoter who ceaselessly trumpeted the benefits of Winnipeg, attracting significant acts and events. He lobbied for and was instrumental in the planning and operations of major Winnipeg events including the 2005 and 2014 Junos, 2008 Grey Cup, and the 2010 Manitoba Homecoming, among many other civic celebrations and festivals. During his tenure with Manitoba Film and Music, Walters assisted countless local artists in taking their careers to the next level through broader exposure.

The new Kevin Walters Celebration Plaza is a result of support and endorsement from the music and civic community in wanting to permanently recognize Walters’ cultural and economic impact on our city and province. The park will create a hub of activity with an outdoor performance area and space for food trucks to complement Burt and other community events, as well as provide a greenspace destination for day-to-day enjoyment. True North will landscape and maintain the all-season space with work commencing in 2024 following City street work.

True North Real Estate Development

Portage Place Redevelopment

True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) continues to invest in downtown Winnipeg in pursuing another innovative and purposeful downtown redevelopment plan. A transformative redevelopment of Portage Place will provide key services and amenities and create an urban ecosystem that will better serve and connect downtown communities. The proposed $500-million three-part campus will better connect the north and south Portage Avenue communities introducing health amenities, greenspaces, and housing and food equity, as well as making space for culture and arts, including the existing YMCA and Prairie Theatre Exchange.

Anchoring the development will be a leading Canadian Health Centre for Excellence offering primary care, an extended hours walk-in and minor injury clinic, renal dialysis and key wraparound health and support services. The Pan Am Centre for Advanced Musculoskeletal Medicine, a core component of the Health Centre, will deliver a muchneeded expansion of ambulatory surgery and diagnostics to the Winnipeg region, including sports medicine, casting, and concussion and pain clinics. It will also provide capacity for continued leading medical research and education.

Through a combination of renovation, redevelopment and new construction, the completed project will provide a mixed program of over 1.2 million square feet including 350,000 square feet of progressive healthcare and community health services, 250,000 square feet of multi-family, affordable and student residences, and over 200,000 square feet dedicated to neighbourhood services, features and arts.

The project will also feature 100,000 square feet of public and greenspaces which together will create a new downtown around which the north and south communities can connect, live, work and play.

A 350,000-square-foot underground heated carpark with over 1,000 stalls will service the campus.

Renderings and a development outline were shared with the public in May 2023 and work continues to refine the plan through public engagement and consultation with key partners, including the Province of Manitoba, City of Winnipeg and the Government of Canada. True North will make its purchase of Portage Place official before Dec. 31, 2023 and anticipates redevelopment work to begin as soon as 2024.

Wawanesa North American Headquarters

Wawanesa Insurance's North American Headquarters reached substantial completion in July 2023, highlighted by the installation of building signage in the spring. Efforts have now transitioned to internal fit and finish work to ensure everything is operational to welcome Wawanesa’s employees in the first quarter of 2024. The 23-storey state-of-the art office will provide working space for more than 1,300 Wawanesa employees, representing a significant investment for downtown, and a new milestone in the company’s 127-year history in Manitoba.

BOMA BEST Gold Certification

With the many environmental processes and considerations part of dayto-day operations at True North Square, the development has earned local BOMA (Building Owner and Managers Association) BEST Gold Certification. BOMA BEST certified buildings lead the way in conserving energy and water and in minimizing waste. The buildings are also LEED Gold Certified and Fitwell Viral Response Certified, among many other certifications.

True North congratulates True North Square’s property management team Bentall Green Oak for being further recognized by BOMA as the “Property Management Team of the Year” for their management of True North Square.

DCSP

As a founding partner of the Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP), True North remains invested in supporting their work to enhance the sense of community, safety and well-being for everyone living, working, studying, visiting and playing in our downtown.

The DCSP maintains a 24/7 presence in the downtown with proactive, non-emergency response, specialized social needs support, outreach and follow-up intervention provided by their three frontline patrol teams –CONNECT, MAC247 (Mobile Assist and Connect) and COAR (Community Outreach Advocacy Resource). As the DCSP continues to evaluate best practices to enhance the services provided to the downtown community, the CONNECT patrol team has expanded to include an extended 24-hour Safety Team providing additional off-hours safety support and presence.

Over the past year, the DCSP has continued to focus on building community relationships with downtown organizations and businesses, and through daily frontline interactions. The growth of these relationships directly correlates with an increased call for services with upwards of a 400 percent increase noted in 2022-23 over the year prior.

Recognizing the proven success of the DCSP’s work, the organization has secured sustainable funding to ensure long-term operational growth. Additional funding from the Government of Manitoba is supporting the growth of the DCSP CAN – Coordinated Assistance Network, a centralized alternate service delivery centre introduced this year to enhance the coordination and integration between partner agencies including the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and Winnipeg Police Service. The goal of the CAN is to reduce the demands on emergency services and more efficiently direct responses to ensure the right resources are available when needed most. The DCSP continues to collaborate with its partners to further develop this service delivery model.

Among the DCSP’s impacts in supporting critical wellness and care over the past year have been:

TRUE NORTH COMMUNITY RELATIONS

$378,000 total charitable proceeds donated

$158,000 total fan donations and sponsorships invested into the community

501 groups/organizations assisted

429 packages donated

Winnipeg Jets Cultural Nights

The Jets introduced two new cultural celebrations this year with Filipino Heritage Night in November and South Asian Heritage Night in February. Both nights were highlighted by the creation of special Jets logos reflecting the elements of each culture which the team wore on warmup jerseys.

The Filipino Heritage logo – designed by 4two Design Inc. owner Jonato Dalayoan and True North Creative Lead Marc Gomez – included elements of the Filipino flag, with the red, white and blue colours, the golden sun and three stars. The game featured Filipino Choir Musica singing the anthems and showcased Filipino culture with concession features, entertainment, and visual elements created by students of Sisler High School’s CREATE program. Guest host Chester Pangan, co-host of CKJS FM’s “Good Morning Philippines”, even incorporated Tagalog into the game’s presentation. Prominent members of the Filipino community were honoured during a puck drop ceremony, including Commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association Manny Aranez, Aida Champagne of the

Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, Filipino Journal publisher Rod Cantiveros, and Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy student Ron Cailo.

Inspired by artistic traditions of South Asia including Rangoli, Henna patterning and Bandhani designs, the South Asian Heritage logo was a collaboration of Winnipeg graphic designer Charmi Sheth and Waseem Shaikh of Ethnicity Matters, along with True North’s design team. Steeped in South Asian traditions, the game featured Bhangra dancing and drumming, traditional cuisine and a puck drop featuring South Asian community members Sukhvir Singh and Raj Brar of Attack Basketball, Monika Deol of MuchMusic, and University of Manitoba Distinguished Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology Dr. Naranjan Dhalla.

Both cultural nights raised funds for community causes through jersey auctions and retail proceeds. Over $35,000 was raised for the Sisler CREATE program through Filipino Heritage Night, and more than $9,000 was raised for Punjabi Community Health Services Manitoba through South Asian Heritage Night.

Jimmy Oligny - AHL Yanick Dupré Memorial Award

Manitoba Moose captain Jimmy Oligny received recognition for his consistent community efforts with the 2022-23 Yanick Dupré Memorial Award as the AHL's Man of the Year – annually awarded to an AHL player for outstanding contributions to his local community and charitable organizations.

Despite being out of the lineup for the majority of the season due to injury, Oligny remained committed to the community, as he's shown throughout his career with four nominations for the AHL's Man of the Year Award. Oligny created a program with the Kinship and Foster Family Network of Manitoba that saw him host foster families at Moose games and join the families for a post-game meet and greet. Oligny was also active in many other community initiatives throughout the season, including visiting a St.Amant Early Learning Classroom in advance of the team's Autism Acceptance game, prepping food at Siloam Mission, reading to kids as part of the Moose Stick to Reading program, participating in Project 11 classroom visits, and meeting with puck drop participants from the Moose Pride Game.

Oligny is only the second player in Moose history to receive the award after former Moose player and current Winnipeg Jets Director of Player Development Jimmy Roy won the award in 2003.

Growing the Game Through Ball Hockey

As part of an NHL initiative to make hockey more accessible, the Community Relations team brought a large inflatable rink and equipment to several community events over the summer including the Manitoba Filipino Street Festival, the Treaty One 2023 Anishinaabe Days and a Friends and Family event put on by Punjabi Community Health Services Manitoba. The ball hockey program allowed those who have never skated before to get a feel for the sport while also fostering new relationships and crosscultural interaction within the community.

Community Appearances & Events

Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest

Sept. 24, 2022

Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest presented by Canada Life returned for the first time since 2019 drawing almost 3,000 fans to hockey for all centre to kick off the season.

Manitoba Moose Autograph Alleys

Oct. 16, Nov. 6 & 11, Dec. 3, Jan. 22, Feb. 25

Manitoba Moose Autograph Alleys returned this season, allowing fans to connect with their favourite players after the game and get merchandise and memorabilia signed.

Winnipeg Jets Open Practices

Nov. 9, Jan. 27, Feb. 13

The Jets hosted over 1,700 fans from a variety of schools and community organizations at three open practices throughout the season.

Winnipeg Jets Holiday Visits

Dec. 5, 2022

The entire Jets roster teamed up to bring holiday cheer to children and families at the Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre and the Child Adolescent Psychiatric Program at HSC following virtual visits in 2021.

Winnipeg Jets Skills Competition

Jan. 4, 2023

Players show off their more playful side in this intimate event that combines hockey skills and fan interaction to raise funds for the True North Youth Foundation and the NHLPA Goals and Dreams Fund. Continuing with tradition, two AAA goalies participated with the pros - Ron Cailo of the St. Paul's Crusaders, and the event's first female participant, Christmas Johnson of the Balmoral Hall Blazers, both of whom are products of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy.

Siloam Mission Visit

Jan. 24, 2023

The Manitoba Moose were able to make their first postpandemic full-team visit to Siloam Mission this season, where players assisted with breakfast preparation and service, donation sorting, and at the facility’s drop-in centre.

Manitoba Moose Community Practice Series

Jan. 25, 2023

The St. James A2 Female Black U11s, St. Boniface Seals Black U11s, Warren Mercuries U11s and South Winnipeg Kings A2 Blacks were selected to practice with Moose players Alex Limoges, Leon Gawanke, Tyrel Bauer and Tyler Boland and Jets Hockey Development coaches at Camp Manitou’s outdoor rink. Following practice, the teams enjoyed dinner and hot chocolate in the camp’s lodge while taking in a Q&A session with the players.

Manitoba Moose Backyard Rink Contest

Feb. 27, 2023

The Priestly family from West St. Paul was the winner of this season’s Backyard Rink Contest presented by Booster Juice, hosting a skating party with friends and neighbours, along with Mick E. Moose, the Moose promo team, and Moose players Declan Chisholm, Jansen Harkins, Ashton Sautner and Greg Meireles.

Manitoba Moose Stick to Reading

Feb. 28, 2023

Ten elementary classrooms from Winnipeg and surrounding areas received visits from Moose players as part of “I Love to Read Month”. Students received books and goodie bags courtesy of presenting partner McNally Robinson Booksellers.

Jets Town Takeover

April 10 & 11, 2023

Oakville, Man. showcased their Jets passion over two days as part of the 2023 Jets Town Takeover. The Takeover included a Project 11 school visit and pizza lunch, ice time with Winnipeg Jets alumni Derek Meech and Eric Fehr, and a social-style viewing party featuring Jets gameday elements and prizing.

Celebration & Appreciation Campaigns

Manitoba Moose Project 11 School Day Game

Dec. 1, 2022

The Manitoba Moose hosted their first-ever School Day Game, welcoming more than 6,000 kids and youth from 90 schools and daycares across Manitoba – including from as far away as Riverton, Whitemouth, and Sprague. In collaboration with Project 11, the game focused on mental wellness and featured Zumba movement breaks and special messages from Moose players who shared the activities and routines that help them prioritize their mental well-being.

Manitoba Moose Manitoba Made Game

Dec. 3, 2022

The second annual Manitoba Made Game again showcased hometown pride and celebrated the many things that make our province special by featuring local musicians, a synthetic curling rink and a perogy giveaway. Partnering with several community organizations the team welcomed more than 1,000 new Manitobans.

Winnipeg Jets Canadian Armed Forces Night

Dec. 6, 2022

• $30,000 donated to CAF members and their families

• 500 tickets donated to military members by Season

Ticket Members

CANADIAN ARMED FORCES NIGHT

Winnipeg Jets #HockeyTalks

Jan. 15, 2023

As part of the NHL’s #HockeyTalks month, the Jets hosted mental health organizations during January home games to provide more exposure for local resources and services. The True North Youth Foundation’s mental wellness program Project 11 took a lead role in engaging youth in the initiative and in promoting the importance of mental well-being. Players shared their mental health strategies and a player-worn hoodie auction raised $7,425 for Project 11.

Dancing Gabe's 60th Birthday Game

Jan. 29, 2023

The Manitoba Moose honoured Winnipeg sports superfan “Dancing” Gabe Langlois as he celebrated a milestone 60th birthday. The community was able to share in the celebration by signing wishes on birthday cards and joining in “Happy Birthday” before the cake cutting. Players and local dignitaries brought greetings and gifts making it a truly special day for Gabe and his family. Fundraising efforts also raised money for Gabe’s trust.

Manitoba Moose Military Appreciation

Feb. 25, 2023

• $2,620 raised in support of local military family programs

Winnipeg Jets NextGen Game

Feb. 26, 2023

The NextGen Game once again gave youth aged 16 or younger, the chance to fill game production roles of PA announcer, game host, TSN3 host, Jets post-game reporter, and CJOB radio commentator as well as take over the organ booth and social media, and contribute in-game elements including hand-drawn player headshots.

Black History Month

Feb. 28, 2023

The Jets hosted their first Black History Night as part of the NHL’s Black History Month in February, when alumnus Ray Neufeld was honoured in a ceremonial puck drop. Partnering with Black History Manitoba, prior to the Feb. 28 game the Jets wore special “Know Their Name” t-shirts designed by local Black-owned apparel company Zueike to recognize the contributions of Black changemakers. The team also donned Willie O’Ree helmet decals in honour of the NHL’s first Black player.

WASAC/Follow Your Dreams

March 4 & 5, 2023

The Jets and Moose kicked off their WASAC (Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre) and Follow Your Dreams Day initiatives by presenting WASAC with a cheque for over $49,000 representing proceeds from last year’s jersey auction and retail program. For WASAC Night, the Jets wore orange WASAC warmup jerseys, and the visiting Edmonton Oilers joined them by sporting their Turtle Island warmup jerseys, marking the first time two NHL teams have been on the ice together in Indigenized sweaters. The game featured Indigenous music, headlined by Juno-winning artist William Prince of Peguis First Nation along with the Spirit Horse Singers drum group, Inuit throat singers, the North End Band, and Métis singer Krista Rey. The pre-game puck drop featured former Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine, and O Canada was sung in Dakota by the Mahpiya Hdega Wayawatipi student choir.

Follow Your Dreams Day featured a puck drop ceremony with Indigenous youth alongside Winnipeg Jets college scout Sydney Daniels from Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan. Fans were also able to learn about Indigenous art – appliqué ornamental needlework, Ojibwe floral beadwork and Métis beading – from local artists. The game, along with the Jets WASAC Game, was broadcast in Plains Cree – believed to be a first for an AHL broadcast – and was made widely accessible in collaboration with the AHL as the feature free game of the week on AHLTV.

In partnership with presenting sponsor Scotiabank, the Jets and Moose hosted youth from several northern and remote Indigenous communities who, as well as taking in the games, also enjoyed complementary programming at Camp Manitou including Project 11 mindful movement sessions and skating with Sydney Daniels and NHL alumni Trevor Kidd and John Chabot.

Celebrating Women in Sport

Jets – March 8, 2023

The month of March celebrated women in sport with a special Jets puck drop welcoming Maggie Litchfield-Medd, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy Minor Hockey Manager and member of the first all-female coaching staff in the history of Hockey Manitoba’s program of excellence; Marcia Gallos of Canada Life; and Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling champions Team Einarson, including Kerri Einarson, Shannon Birchard, Briane Harris and Krysten Karwacki.

Moose – March 26, 2023

The award-winning Moose Women in Sport Job Shadow Program returned, giving six young women the chance to participate in an immersive two-day experience with hockey and business operations staff, including presentations, facility and office tours and a resumé workshop. On gameday, the women observed Moose marketing, digital content, communications, broadcasting and game production teams in action before getting their own hands-on experience at some of the tasks.

Community Support & Donation Initiatives

Winnipeg Jets Child Advocacy Month

October 2022

The Winnipeg Jets shone a spotlight on Child Advocacy Month and the work of Toba Centre in supporting young abuse victims and their families. Working with child advocacy organizations, tickets were donated to youth and families and Toba Centre was on the concourse throughout the month educating people on the cause. The month concluded with #GoBlueToba Day on Oct. 24, featuring a puck drop ceremony with Toba Centre’s Christy Dzikowicz, WE WILL Capital Campaign Chair Ken Talbot, forensic interviewer Michael Chiborak, and the centre’s support dog Duke along with Toba Centre ambassador, Winnipeg Jets forward Adam Lowry (p. 23), who presented the organization with a cheque for $50,000

Manitoba Moose Share the Warmth

Oct. 29, 2022

• $2,400 funds raised and $22,950 in hygiene items and food collected both at the game and at partner Red River Co-op stores in support of Siloam Mission

Hockey Fights Cancer

November 2022

• $112,930 funds raised in support of CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

• $22,295 funds raised in support of Camp Quality Manitoba

Winnipeg Jets Holiday Donation Drive

Dec. 4-20, 2022

• $14,450 funds raised in support of the Christmas Cheer Board

Manitoba Moose Teddy Bear Toss

Dec. 17, 2022

• 1,365 bears collected and $1,165 funds raised in support of the Christmas Cheer Board

Manitoba Moose Shut Out Hunger

Dec. 30, 2022

• $46,140 in food and funds raised in game and at partner Red River Co-op stores in support of Harvest

Manitoba

Pride Night

Feb. 17, 2023

As part of the Manitoba Moose Pride celebration, the team welcomed four individuals who are influential within Manitoba’s Pride community to participate in a puck drop – President of Dykes on Bikes Winnipeg, Syndee Thibert; Maddy Nowosad who is leading the charge for a 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive skate park in Winnipeg, Tracy Edwards, organizer of Pitch for Pride, and Ty Meyer of PRISM, a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Winnipeg 2SLGBTQ+ mentoring program. Through the game’s 50/50 proceeds and funds from the sale of special Moose Pride t-shirts, $3,750 was raised for Rainbow Resource Centre

April 5, 2023

The Jets showed that all are welcome in hockey with special warmup jerseys worn on Pride Night. The jerseys were auctioned off to raise $14,500 in support of the Rainbow Resource Centre and the You Can Play Project, who were both on the concourse sharing resources with fans along with Pride Winnipeg and The Other Skaters Zine.

Manitoba Moose Autism Acceptance

April 1, 2023

Dampened music and sound, reduced flashing lights and a quiet room are the hallmarks of the annual Moose Autism Acceptance game in support of St.Amant Foundation. Specially designed Moose jerseys and the sale of plush moose toys raised $16,510 for Early Learning Classrooms, which were built and outfitted with previous Autism Acceptance fundraising. Moose players also made their annual visit to the classrooms in October, spending time with kids who benefit from the classrooms and resources.

Player & Partner Initiatives

Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose players are active in the community, supporting both True North Youth Foundation (TNYF) events and initiatives as well as championing causes close to their own hearts.

Foundation involvement included Jets and Moose players and coaches lending their time to be part of the Winnipeg Jets Gala and special experiential auction prizes – including fishing trips, meet and greets, classroom visits, golf and more – which help to raise significant funds for foundation programming.

Project 11 remains a priority cause for the team with several players taking an active role in classroom visits, video content and podcasts directed at youth, as well as being ambassadors for the annual mental wellness focused #HockeyTalks game. Blake Wheeler and alumnus Andrew Ladd also joined two lucky raffle winners for the second Fishin’ with the Jets trip in June which raised more than $29,000 for Project 11. Special thanks to partners Triple C enterprises and Mach 1 Construction who donated services for the once-in-alifetime experience. While in the community, Wheeler and Ladd joined Project 11 in extending the conversation on mental wellness with three local schools. Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck added his support to Project 11 by directing proceeds of his new children’s flip book – which addresses mental health and emotions in a kid-friendly way – to the program.

As well as his involvement with the True North Youth Foundation as both a board member and ambassador, Josh Morrissey continued his long-time support of the Dream Factory with several meet and greets and by directing funds from his annual golf classic. Adam Lowry joined forces with Toba Centre as an ambassador, seeking to be an encouragement to kids who have faced child abuse and neglect, as well as bring awareness to their work to support kids and families experiencing abuse. In partnership with Shared Health Manitoba, Mark Scheifele’s Scheif’s Healthcare Heroes returned for a second season in 2022-23 honouring healthcare workers across Manitoba.

During his 12 seasons with the Jets, former forward Blake Wheeler has shown his commitment to the Winnipeg and Manitoba community and the 2022-23 season, his last as a Jet, was no exception. Wheeler continued to champion many personal causes, a commitment that was recognized through winning this season’s Jets’ Wawanesa Insurance Community Service Award as well as by being the team’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy nominee – an NHL award given annually to a player who exemplifies leadership qualities and who stands out for his significant contribution to his community. In addition to working with numerous Project 11 classrooms, Wheeler continued his family’s annual Ride Inside event in support of CancerCare Manitoba’s PROFYLE (PRecision Oncology For Young peopLE) initiative, and donated gifts to the Christmas Cheer Board and the Children’s Hospital around the holidays.

Jets & Moose Partner Initiatives

Players' partners also play an active role in the community, and this year supported three key initiatives. Two thousand dollars was raised for Hockey Fights Cancer (HFC) through a Build-A-Bear fundraiser that also involved the season’s HFC Child Ambassadors. The group also raised $20,000 in support of D’Arcy’s ARC (Animal Rescue Centre) through the sale of their “Jets Pets Calendar”. This year’s puck fundraiser was themed for St. Patrick’s Day in March with “Lucky Pucks” raising $15,000 for the West Central Women’s Resource Centre

WINNIPEG JETS ALUMNI & FRIENDS

The Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends play a vital role in promoting the sport of hockey and contributing to our community. Members from both the Jets’ 1.0 and 2.0 eras, as well as other former professional hockey players residing in or with connections to Manitoba, continue to participate in Winnipeg Jets and True North Youth Foundation initiatives as well as provide expert hockey analysis for the team and local media. More than 100 active members continue their involvement in the community through appearances and in support of charities, foundations and other causes.

Foundations Supported

• Ab McDonald Foundation

• Bruce Oake Foundation

• CancerCare Manitoba Foundation

• Children’s Hospital Foundation

• Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation

• Fort Whyte Alive Foundation

• Pan Am Foundation

• Rady JCC Foundation

• The Dream Factory

• Toba Centre for Children & Youth

• Special Olympics Manitoba

Hall of Fame

250+ members in alumni networks

100+ active alumni members

10 Hall of Fame members

3 scholarships awarded

40+ events attended

Team and Community Involvement

• Black History Night

• Filipino Heritage Night

• Fishin’ with the Jets

• Hockey Can’t Stop Tour

• Hockey Helps the Homeless Winnipeg

• Jets Town Takeover

• Mike Keane Celebrity Classic

• Portage Terriers/Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends Charity Game

• WASAC

• Winnipeg Jets Alumni Community Club Initiative

• Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest

Temmu Selanne and Teppo Numminen became the 9th and 10th inductees of the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame when their banners were unveiled at Canada Life Centre Nov. 17. Their Hall of Fame induction was preceded by the Winnipeg Jets Gala, where the pair were guests of honour, and their careers celebrated.

Scholarships

The Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends continued their scholarship program presenting two $2,500 scholarships to Tyson Tarnick of W.C. Miller Collegiate and Abigail Warkentin of Sturgeon Heights Collegiate in recognition of their on-ice skills and community leadership.

The Alumni & Friends awarded their $1,500 Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) scholarship to long-time WJHA student athlete Savan Keo, a graduate of Transcona Collegiate who is now attending the University of Manitoba with plans to major in Computer Science.

VENUES & ENTERTAINMENT

Green Efforts

Canada Life Centre waste diverted from landfills since the facility opened in 2004:

GBAC Accreditation

Canada Life Centre continues to be recognized as having the highest level of infectious disease and biorisk prevention and management protocols through its accreditation with the gold standard Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR accreditation program.

230,152 kgs of plastic bottles

281,455 kgs of compost

95,000 kgs of grease

454,765 kgs of cardboard

Community Use & Access

Canada Life Centre, the Burton Cummings Theatre and hockey for all centre make their venues available for non-profit and community group events throughout the year through their Community Use & Access Programs.

Bisons x Ukraine Hockey Can’t Stop Tour

To help Ukraine’s U25 national team prepare for the Winter University Games, while also raising money for refugees and Ukrainian communities impacted by Russia’s invasion, several Canada West USPORTS hockey teams hosted the team for exhibition matches in early January to form the Hockey Can’t Stop Tour. That included the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey team, who faced off against the Ukrainian U25 team at Canada Life Centre in front of a sold-out lower bowl of 7,679 fans on Jan. 9. Thanks to community donors, the game welcomed more than 4,000 newly immigrated Ukrainians who cheered the Ukrainian team on to a 5-1 win.

World Police & Fire Games

Canada Life Centre hosted the opening ceremonies for the 2023 World Police & Fire Games in July 2023 – the second largest sporting event in the world, second only to the Summer Olympics. The event welcomed roughly 8,500 athletes, friends and family.

Burton Cummings Theatre Community Initiatives

The Burton Cummings Theatre supported a number of community initiatives with performance space in 2022-23, from school drama performances to free community concerts. These included the Royal Canadian Air Force Band “Home for the Holidays” show in support of United Way Winnipeg, Project 11’s student Mental Wellness Summit, Collège Jeanne-Sauvé’s production of The Addams Family, Manitoba’s longest-running Indigenous talent show, NCI Jam, and the Robb Nash Project, an immersive mental wellness concert experience for youth.

More Teams to Watch at Canada Life Centre

Canada Life Centre welcomed the Winnipeg Sea Bears of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, marking the first time the facility has been home to a team not owned and operated by True North Sports + Entertainment. The Sea Bears set league record attendance numbers throughout their ten-game inaugural season, including more than 7,000 fans at their home opener, and more than 10,000 fans at their playoff appearance. The team added to the gameday experience with pre-game parties in the adjacent plaza at True North Square.

Canada Life Centre also hosted the Western Hockey League’s Winnipeg Ice for their WHL Final home games in April. More than 10,000 fans took in the excitement of championship junior hockey in what ended up being the team’s last games before relocating to Wenatchee, Washington.

Burton Cummings Theatre Restoration

As part of True North’s continued commitment to renewing the historic Burton Cummings Theatre, a second-floor space was restored to create The Studio Lounge in honour of the theatre’s namesake. Featuring Cummings’ hand-written music sheets, awards, photos and instruments, including the piano he learned to play on in his childhood home, and showcasing exposed original brickwork and restored hardwoods and original windows, the lounge opened up additional mingling space for guests and is available for pre-show and off-day rentals. With the support of the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Building Business Grant Program, a new digital marquee was installed in July 2023.

hockey for all centre

hockey for all centre Multiplex Renaming

True North Sports + Entertainment and Scotiabank announced a new partnership in November that saw True North’s four-arena multiplex - the official practice facility of the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose - take on the name hockey for all centre. Scotiabank launched the multi-year hockey for all platform in 2021 to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in the game by breaking down cultural and financial barriers. hockey for all centre – which saw more than 750,000 visitors in the last year – shares that commitment to being an inclusive and accessible facility, with programs for underserved communities and players of all abilities, ages, genders, and backgrounds.

hockey for all centre is pleased to welcome its newest partners, PCL and Western Marble Granite & Tile, who join Flynn and Manitoba Building and Trades in showcasing their support for the facility’s mission through an arena naming partnership.

Growing the Game

First Shift

This fall, hockey for all centre will launch a First Shift program – a Jets Hockey Development-run (JHD) program supported by Scotiabank aimed at removing barriers for new Canadian youth to engage in the sport. Participants will receive free lessons and equipment to encourage continued participation in hockey after the program concludes. As a first step in launching this initiative, JHD ran a free six-week spring program and several one-week summer camps that provided on and off-ice training for more than 130 Filipino and South Asian minor hockey players, with the goal of fostering relationships and engaging participants in coaching and mentoring roles to further support the new First Shift program.

Jets Hockey Development in Nunavut

Jets Hockey Development (JHD) and Ice Lab goalie coaches brought their high-quality coaching to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut in December. For several years community teams had been attending the Winnipeg Jets Challenge Cup tournament hosted at hockey for all centre which sparked the idea to engage more athletes from the Nunavut community by bringing the JHD coaches to them, offering a full scheduled on-ice player skill development and off-ice instructional sessions with coaches. JHD plans to continue the relationship with more visits in the future.

Diverse Programming

A cornerstone of ice sports in Winnipeg, hockey for all centre has been Manitoba’s community hockey home, providing more than 11,500 ice hours annually to support all levels of hockey programming while also focusing on providing opportunity to grow, support and showcase diversity in the game.

The Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League – the only junior hockey program for females in Manitoba – calls hockey for all centre home. Female-focused programming also included Scotiabank Girls HockeyFest, a program giving young girls a chance to learn from some of the top female hockey players in Canada, and summer Female Elite Goaltending Camps led by Team Canada goalie and hockey for all centre Ice Lab graduate Kristen Campbell.

The facility returned to hosting the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre Annual Indigenous Minor Hockey Tournament, Manitoba’s largest First Nations tournament and the busiest hockey for all centre tournament of the year.

hockey for all centre continued to be the home of Sledge Hockey Manitoba and Jets Hockey Development hosted several ringette camps.

The venue also welcomed participants and spectators from around the world in August as the host venue for hockey for the 2023 World Police & Fire Games.

TRUE NORTH YOUTH FOUNDATION

True North Sports + Entertainment, the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose have long been invested in the next generation of Manitobans through their charitable arm, the True North Youth Foundation (TNYF). That commitment to underserved youth in our province continues to be a pillar of their community giving each year through the foundation’s three core programs –the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, Project 11, and Camp Manitou – which provide invaluable enrichment to youth and positively impact integral aspects of their lives. This past year, those three programs empowered more than 111,000 youth in our community to reach their ultimate potential through programming that inspires them to engage in their school and community, care for their own mental wellness, as well as for those around them, and explore their limits by taking on new challenges. Ongoing engagement in the foundation creates a positive momentum that will continue to build throughout their lives.

None of the work of the TNYF would be possible without the generosity of the community. A large portion of the foundation’s funds come through the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose gameday 50/50 program. The 50/50 program raised over $2.1 million this season, which included a record-setting Playoff 50/50 Mega Raffle that combined the sales of the first four games of the Jets First Round playoff series and reached a $1.3 million pot – of which the foundation received half.

The TNYF is extremely grateful for the steadfast support from the community through many avenues. Whether supporting through the 50/50 program, fundraisers, the many community organizations and corporate partners who choose the TNYF as a beneficiary of their charitable events, or the more than 160 volunteers who walk alongside our WJHA, Project 11 and Camp Manitou participants and employees, each contribution makes a difference.

“We love everything the True North Youth Foundation stands for. Especially with Project 11, it’s really important to us that children are getting the opportunity to learn about mental health so young. We lost someone that we love dearly in 2020 to suicide, so we strongly believe in mental health awareness.”

– Melissa Reinisch, Jets Playoff Mega Raffle Winner

111,000 youth impacted in 2022-23

$4.7 million invested in Manitoba youth this year

Over $50 million invested in the community since 1996

Winnipeg Jets Gala

This season’s Winnipeg Jets Gala marked a return to an in-person event at Canada Life Centre for the first time since 2019 with a truly special night hosted in conjunction with the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame. Teemu Selanne and Teppo Numminen were the evening’s guests of honour and featured in a hot stove led by the Jets’ own Sara Orlesky alongside former Jets teammates. The event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to mingle with the current Jets and Moose rosters and coaches and bid on unique experiential prizes involving players and team personnel. The event raised $258,000 in support of the TNYF.

Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic

The Mike Keane Celebrity Hockey Classic returned in 2023, featuring its hallmark NHL alumni draft where teams select a former pro to join their roster. Thanks to participants’ generous fundraising efforts, the tournament raised $19,000 for the TNYF and Continuity Care, an organization dedicated to assisting families and caregivers in planning for the future of loved ones with an intellectual disability.

Flatlander’s Beer Festival

The Flatlander’s Beer Festival returned for its 19th in-person event, featuring more than 300 local, Canadian and international beers, ciders and spritzers, including more than 150 exclusive or limited-release products. With 3,200 people attending the tastings, Flatlander’s raised $106,000 for the TNYF.

Sterling Sponsors Wine Sponsor Hall of jacket Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

Steve & Lisa Kroft Family Foundation

WINNIPEG JETS HOCKEY ACADEMY

700 student athletes

20 participating schools

54 WJHA volunteers

6 Living Philanthropy Partners

140 minor hockey players

7 minor hockey teams

35 minor hockey sponsorships for other teams

The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA) delivers an enriching sportbased program that uses hockey to engage youth in their school and community. This year, the program supported 700 student athletes from socially and economically challenged schools who built hockey skills through weekly on-ice sessions and applied the many lessons learned on the ice – like perseverance, teamwork and leadership – to academics and other areas of their lives. Regular interactions between students and their hockey coaches at and beyond the rink allow WJHA employees and volunteers to become true mentors to the youth they work with. WJHA students also have the opportunity to play on minor hockey teams where many get their first taste of competitive sports and their first chance to be part of a formal team. Students learn just as much from the WJHA’s off-ice programming, which includes an after-school program that exposes students to post-secondary opportunities through field trips to universities and various workplaces, as well as providing educational sessions on life skills. Tutoring remains an important off-ice aspect of the program, ensuring students meet the grades they need to graduate. This year, the WJHA celebrated 47 program graduates. Many former student athletes have stayed connected to the program and serve to inspire younger students with their post-secondary pursuits, also exemplifying the the WJHA’s hand-up over hand-out concept and the program’s ultimate goal of fostering community leaders and contributors.

Impacts in Action

Ukrainian Student Finds Fit Through Hockey

Bruce Middle School student Michel came to Canada from Ukraine with his family in 2022 as a sixth grader. Though moving away from a war-torn country was a positive change, adjusting to a new faraway home also brings challenges.

Despite having never played hockey before and knowing very little about the sport, Michel has found his fit through the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy, which his teachers at Bruce Middle School recommended he join to involve him with his classmates and the community. As they do with all kids they work with, the WJHA coaches took the time to get to know Michel, show him the ropes of hockey, and show him they care, and it was not long before he felt at ease in the program. Michel event got to showcase his newfound skating skills as the Winnipeg Jets’ Scotiabank Skater, taking two laps around the Jets’ home ice before standing next to the players during the anthems. That experience, along with the WJHA’s regular programming, has made huge impacts for Michel already in his new home and his coaches look forward to helping him grow his comfort and his confidence as he continues in the program.

“Here are these newcomers to Canada that have just come from terrible experiences, and I thought ‘What can we give them that’s something that’s going to really get them involved from day one at the school?’ The WJHA has had a huge impact on them because it’s taught them that they belong, and that they’re a part of something.”

– Shannon Yard, Counsellor, Bruce Middle School

More Than a Love of Hockey, WJHA Inspires Path to Success

The WJHA makes countless impacts on its students throughout their time in the program, and thanks to the help of their community partners, those impacts can last well past graduation as they have for first-year university student Rudra. As a WJHA graduate, Rudra was the recipient of the 2022 Maple Leaf Construction scholarship, and describes winning the award as the most significant moment of his life.

That’s because Maple Leaf’s generosity through the scholarship, which covers four years of tuition, allows Rudra to focus on his Computer Engineering studies at the University of Manitoba. Coupling that with the time and workload management skills, and course selection guidance he received as part of the WJHA, Rudra feels set up for post-secondary success. And, he has more than just a drive for a degree – through lessons on the importance of teamwork and community involvement, the WJHA has inspired him to be a better person in all aspects of life. And of course, they’ve left him with the ability to play a sport he loves, which he continues to use as an outlet and as a way to connect with friends.

“Receiving this scholarship is not just receiving money for me, this shows how much trust Maple Leaf has shown in me. Now I need to make sure that I fulfill the responsibility and their trust. This scholarship has helped me a lot as it has covered most of my university costs, so I know I can focus on my studies.”

– Rudra, WJHA graduate

PROJECT 11

It was former Manitoba Moose and Winnipeg Jets player Rick Rypien’s desire to support mental health awareness for students from an early age. After succumbing to his own battle with depression in 2011, Rypien’s legacy sparked Project 11. The program remains as committed to Rypien’s vision as ever by working to ensure that youth across Manitoba – and beyond – receive mental wellness programming through regular classroom curriculum. The K to 12 program, free for Manitoba classrooms in both English and French, delivers age-appropriate lessons, which encourage important classroom discussions, along with activities that promote mindfulness and healthy coping strategies. Project 11 seeks to help youth build positive communication and connection skills, develop compassion and empathy, and grow their social and emotional intelligence.

Project 11 brings the discussion on mental health to life outside the classroom including through the Check In podcast and the return of the in-person Mental Wellness Summit which bring P11 ambassadors, wellness experts and local personalities together to share personal experiences and encouraging messages that resonate with students. The Winnipeg Jets #HockeyTalks Game (p. 19) and Manitoba Moose Project 11 School Day Game (p. 18) also work to extend the mental wellness conversation.

88,900 Manitoba students

529 Manitoba schools

11,925 students outside of Manitoba

3,556 Project 11-trained Manitoba teachers

1,349 rural Manitoba classrooms

133 schools participating in all grades

Partnerships and collaborations continue to enhance the program and grow its reach. P11 is working with Toba Centre to incorporate subjects like child abuse and neglect in age-appropriate ways while a collaboration with Sisler’s CREATE digital media program saw the development of new graphics and animations to enhance digital lessons. Project 11 remains a participant in the Healthy Minds Youth Wellness Alliance which works with school divisions and mental wellness organizations to grow mental health awareness and resources. P11 continues to garner attention outside of Manitoba, most recently in the Himalayas where community groups have been implementing the program (local fundraising remains solely directed to Manitoba programming).

ProjectEleven.ca

Northern Connections

Getting out in the community to both promote Project 11’s programming and support classes engaging in the program remains a priority for the P11 team. This mission brought them north to Rankin Inlet, Nunavut in December, and to Stevenson Island in June alongside the Fishin’ with the Jets trip in support of P11 (p. 23). The team connected with local high school classrooms and teachers in Rankin Inlet, and also with staff from victim services, RCMP officers, and Elders. At Stevenson Island, thenWinnipeg Jet Blake Wheeler and alumnus Andrew Ladd joined in visiting Kistiganwacheeng Elementary School, Garden Hill First Nation High School and Stevenson Island School.

Impacts in Action

Stonewall Gives Back

In spring 2022, Project 11 joined the Jets Town Takeover event in Stonewall, Man., visiting local schools and sharing the importance of mental wellness. NHL alumnus Jason Simon joined in the presentations, sharing his impactful life story of perseverance to make it to the NHL. Both Simon’s story and Project 11’s message left impacts with students and organizers alike.

The P11 school visit left such an impact with Town of Stonewall Deputy Mayor Pete Bullivant and Recreation Facilitator Laine Wilson that they didn’t want their involvement with Project 11 to end when the Jets Town Takeover was done. They sought to continue to engage with the program and assist where needed, which led them to volunteering at the 2023 Project 11 Mental Wellness Summit at the Burton Cummings Theatre this March.

The pair made the trip to help the event run smoothly, doing everything from ushering to assisting with lunches and generally ensuring students were enjoying the day. Just like at the Jets Town Takeover, Bullivant and Wilson left the Summit feeling as encouraged and energized as the students who participated.

“We were really grateful for everything that True North and Project 11 did for us in the community with Jets Town Takeover, and it had ripple effects. Our community is close-knit and works together really well, but that was a binding project, especially coming out of the pandemic. We really value the lessons that Project 11 teaches and wanted to help and give back.”

– Laine Wilson, Recreation Facilitator, Town of Stonewall

Jets Player Conversations an Inspiration to High School Student Dealing with Grief

When Evan, now a Grade 11 Maples Collegiate student, was 6 years old, his father passed away suddenly and unexpectedly, understandably having an impact on his mental health. His mother, Christa, had tried for years to talk with him about his feelings and ways to help him cope with the loss, but Evan simply wasn’t ready to talk.

As part of the 2023 #HockeyTalks campaign, Project 11 extended an invite for Evan to participate in a series of video interviews where he would have the opportunity to discuss mental wellness with Winnipeg Jets players. The experience was meaningful and impactful for Evan. Although he hadn’t previously participated in Project 11 at school, he was very excited to be part of the interviews and was intrigued enough to do his own research on the program.

Evan’s conversations with the players highlighted how everyone can struggle with mental health at times. He found that even though the Jets players are successful, well-known and very talented, they are also human beings and like all of us, they too face challenges. The experience encouraged Evan and his mom and has sparked a new openness for both of them.

“It was nice to talk with the Jets players and realize they are just human beings like us and they have similar struggles as us. It’s important to show people that a healthy body doesn’t just mean the skills the players bring to the ice and muscles and strength. You need to make sure your whole body is cared for, and that includes your mind. The mind is the control centre of the body, and if it isn’t running healthy and happy, the rest of the body can’t reach its full potential either.”

– Evan, Grade 11 student

CAMP MANITOU

Camp Manitou, located only five minutes outside of Winnipeg in Headingley, is a 39acre four-season camp that seeks to impact Manitoba youth with outdoor education and recreation opportunities. From archery to canoeing, swimming and ziplining, the camp’s wide variety of activities are provided in an inclusive and accessible environment, giving campers and visitors of all abilities the chance to enjoy new challenges and personal growth in a beautiful outdoor setting.

While camp is offered in both the winter and spring seasons, summer remains its most bustling time with 9,660 camper days hosted in summer 2023 – which represents the most summer campers hosted to date, thanks to the addition of new amenities that have increased camp’s overall daily capacity. As a program of the True North Youth Foundation, Camp Manitou ensures that students of its sister program, the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy (WJHA), can enjoy camp’s facilities and programs each year by hosting over 200 WJHA students for a week of camp. They also engage WJHA youth and other campers in volunteering which, in many cases, leads to future employment at camp. Camp Manitou’s Prospects Week combines a camper experience with leadership education and the opportunity to work with younger campers to help prepare older teens for future volunteer and job opportunities.

39 acres

12 cabins

2.6 -acre custom-made

180 beds

9,660 summer camper days

19,194 total camper days in 2022-23

5 minutes from Winnipeg

1 NHL-sized outdoor rink

192-person capacity in Travis Price Centre (main lodge)

Camp Manitou also hosts many rental groups throughout the year for people of all ages, including schools, families, corporate groups and youth organizations. The vast outdoor space and countless activities make Camp Manitou the perfect place to connect and work on teambuilding skills, while a commitment to adapt facilities and programming to each group’s needs make the facility and grounds accessible to all. This year, the Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind and the Canadian Arthritis Society were among groups who benefited from an adapted camp experience. A subsidy program also makes camp more affordable for non-profits and schools in need. Community events hosted at camp include Welcome to Winnipeg, an event that brings Canadian newcomers together to build community in their new home through experiencing winter activities.

Training Centre of Excellence

Camp Manitou launched its new Training Centre of Excellence, focused on providing courses in the key areas of certified training, land-based leadership and outdoor education, and corporate team building. A variety of courses are offered through the centre, such as First Aid training, Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leadership training, WHMIS, Financial Literacy for Youth, Babysitting Course, Climbing Wall Belay training, Paddling Skills training and more. Camp Manitou looks forward to delivering training to corporations and businesses, schoolteachers and students, not-for-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions and more as the program continues to expand.

Facility and Activity Enhancements

After opening its new 11-acre expansion including a 2.6-acre custom lake and bike trails last summer, finishing touches were added for summer 2023. A beach area offers volleyball, Spikeball and other sand games and newly planted grass and foliage have officially completed the lake. Additional enhancements include a resurfaced basketball court complete with new hoops, and the installation of protective sun barriers which will extend the skating season on the outdoor rink.

Impacts in Action

Striving to be an Impactful Role Model

Winnipeg Jets Hockey Academy student athlete Destiny has had many inspirational people in her life during her time in the program. Now, with the opportunity to work at Camp Manitou, she is striving to be that inspirational figure for other students because she knows the positive impact it can have. She continues to learn new things as an activity leader which she puts into action in her role with young campers. From her own role models, she knew she needed to gain the trust of campers and balance being a respected leader with being encouraging and fun so campers make the most of their experience and continue their personal growth. Destiny is guided by these values when during times she is challenged by the kids’ overenthusiasm and listening, remaining calm and creatively solving problems to get everyone back on track. Teamwork is another value she strives to exemplify and emphasize at camp. The feedback of others has boosted her confidence in knowing that she is succeeding in her personal goals as well as her goals as a camp leader.

“Overall, I could not have asked for a better job. My personal favourite activity is team building. I just love seeing kids work together and have a good time. I’ve already experienced a teacher approaching me and say I’ve helped boost a child’s mood and that’s exactly what I’m here for.”

– Destiny, WJHA student athlete and Camp Manitou activity leader

Camp Manitou Fosters Many Firsts for OARC Participants

The Open Access Resource Centre (OARC) – an organization committed to improving the lives of Manitobans with speech challenges through the use of communication devices – hosts their annual yAAC (youth Augmentative and Alternate Communication) Camp at Camp Manitou. Each year brings new and repeat campers but regardless, there are always many firsts. Accessibility accommodations, like the accessible dock on the lake, have made huge impacts for OARC campers with mobility issues in particular, allowing for new adventures.

What makes it possible for OARC to experience camp is Camp Manitou’s enthusiasm to work with the group and ensure they have a positive experience. The willingness of camp employees to adapt to the group gives participants a truly unique experience with a mix of camp-led activities like kayaking, swimming and nature hikes, and OARC-led activities that focus on communication with campers gaining practice using their speech-generating devices throughout.

“Each year we hold Camp yAAC, there is excitement from the camp planning committee and the staff. It is very uplifting to see the work we do in the community come to life and watching the kids happily participating at camp and communicating with their iPads.”

– Marnie Loewen, Camp yAAC Coordinator, Open Access Resource Centre

$1,800 provides one season of hockey academy to a student athlete

$1,300 provides one complete set of goalie gear for a hockey academy student athlete

$600 provides Project 11 to one classroom

$350 provides one week of summer camp for a child

$150 provides a pair of skates for a hockey academy student athlete

$50 provides lunch for a camper for a week at summer camp