About

About

The Paugan Falls Rapids are a senior hockey team competing in the Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL), proudly based in Low, Quebec. Founded to unite the Gatineau Valley through the shared love of hockey, the Rapids bring fast-paced, hard-hitting action to the ice and a deep commitment to the community off it.

More than just a team, the Rapids are a growing movement—one that brings together fans, families, and local partners through high-energy home games, grassroots events, and a spirit of pride in our region. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, there’s a place for you in Rapids Nation.

Community Involvement

Being involved in the community is not just a part of our mission; it’s a fundamental aspect of our identity. We strive to create meaningful connections, support local initiatives, and provide positive role models for the youth. Some initiatives we've been involved with in the past are:

• Annual Banquet and Golf Tournament: Our annual banquet and golf tournament bring together players, fans, sponsors, and local community members to celebrate the Rapids, strengthen relationships, and support the continued growth of the organization.
  
• Canada Day Parade: Each year, we proudly participate in the Low Canada Day Parade. Our float is a fan favorite, and we love handing out freezies and celebrating this special day with our fellow community members.
• Gear for Kids Event: Partnering with Nextshift, we hosted the Gear for Kids event to provide local children with the equipment they need to start playing hockey. It was a heartwarming day filled with excitement as kids received gear and had the opportunity to practice with Rapids players.
• Gatineau Valley Youth Skating Program: Each winter, Rapids players volunteer weekly with the Gatineau Valley Youth Skating Program, helping local children learn the fundamentals of skating, develop their skills, and build confidence on the ice in a fun and supportive environment.
• Minor Hockey Practice: Our players demonstrated various skills and participated in a scrimmage with the kids, creating unforgettable memories and encouraging young athletes.
• School Visits: We’ve had the pleasure of visiting Queen Elizabeth Elementary School and St. Mikes High School, engaging with students through Q&A sessions and exciting floor hockey games. Our aim is to inspire and connect with the youth in our community.

Our Home: Gatineau Valley Arena

The Gatineau Valley Arena was built by the community, for the community. After years of planning and fundraising, construction began in September 1993. More than 300 volunteers contributed approximately 22,000 hours to the project, while other community members donated and prepared meals for workers throughout the fall. The arena officially welcomed the public for its first skating session on January 23, 1994. Today, that same spirit continues, with volunteers giving their time, resources, and support to keep the facility operating.

When the Paugan Falls Rapids were established in 2023, the Gatineau Valley Arena was the natural place to call home. The arena reflects the same values on which our organization was founded: community, teamwork, dedication, and volunteerism. By bringing senior hockey to the Gatineau Valley, we aim to fill the stands, create memorable experiences, generate important revenue for the facility, and help ensure the arena remains an active gathering place for generations to come.

The arena also benefits directly from every Rapids home game. All proceeds from the canteen, along with a significant share of bar revenue, go to the Gatineau Valley Arena. Beyond game-day support, our organization is proud to invest its time, labour, and resources into maintaining and improving the facility.

Our Arena Projects

• New Arena Sign (July 26, 2023): The Rapids purchased a new roadside sign for the arena. With donated structural beams and volunteer labour, members of the organization completed its construction and installation.

• Rapids Fan Zone, Video Booth and Team Dressing Room (July 28–October 13, 2023): More than 50 volunteers contributed thousands of hours toward creating a new video booth, the Rapids Fan Zone, and a dedicated team dressing room.

• New Spectator-Side Glass (October 19, 2023): The Rapids purchased and installed new six-foot-tall glass along the spectator side of the rink. More than 30 Rapids players and community volunteers came together to complete the major facility upgrade, improving both spectator safety and the viewing experience.

• Painting & Other Arena Improvements (May 2024): More than 25 volunteers worked over several days to complete upgrades throughout the facility. The work included repainting the stands, railings, walls, dressing rooms, and Fan Zone; repairing exterior steel siding; upgrading the officials’ room; installing new shower heads; and adding a baby changing station to the women’s washroom.

• New Protective Netting (October 9, 2025): The Rapids funded the installation of new protective netting behind the Zamboni-end goal, improving spectator safety and the viewing experience from the Rapids Fan Zone.

These projects continue the tradition on which the Gatineau Valley Arena was built. We are proud to support the volunteers who keep it operating and to do our part to help preserve this important community facility for future generations.