Get Geared Up for Hockey Season at the 2026 Gear for Kids Event

The Paugan Falls Rapids are proud to once again partner with Next Shift Hockey Canada to host our annual Gear for Kids Event on Saturday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the lawn behind the Gatineau Valley Arena & Heritage Hall.

Thanks to Next Shift's incredible work collecting and redistributing quality hockey equipment through donations and community partnerships, local families will once again have the opportunity to receive hockey equipment at no cost while enjoying a fun morning alongside Rapids players, volunteers, and Ronnie Rapid.

Whether your child is trying hockey for the first time or simply needs larger equipment for the upcoming season, this event is designed to help make hockey more accessible while getting kids excited to hit the ice.

What to Expect

Free Hockey Equipment

Each child will be paired with a Rapids player or volunteer who will help them find properly fitting equipment from Next Shift's extensive inventory. Most participants leave with the majority—or even all—of the equipment they need for the upcoming season.

Meet the Rapids

Once they're geared up, kids can take a photo with Ronnie Rapid and the Rapids players who helped fit their equipment.

Rapids Shooting Zone

After getting fitted, kids can head over to the Rapids Shooting Zone to test out their new gear by taking a few shots on net alongside Rapids players before grabbing a freezie to wrap up their visit.

How It Works

  • Equipment is distributed first-come, first-served while supplies last.
  • Open to youth approximately ages 3–18.
  • Families are welcome whether they're new to hockey or returning for another season.
  • Received equipment from last year's event? We'd love to see you back! If your child has outgrown any equipment, bring it along—we'll help exchange it for gear that fits while your previous equipment can help another young player.
  • Donations of clean, gently used hockey equipment are always appreciated and help Next Shift continue supporting families throughout the year.

Growing Every Year

Last summer, 43 local kids were outfitted with hockey equipment through the Gear for Kids Event—the largest turnout in the event's history. From first-time players to returning athletes needing larger equipment, the day demonstrated the incredible impact that can be achieved when organizations and volunteers come together to support local families.

We're hoping to help even more young athletes this year and continue building on the success of this incredible partnership between the Paugan Falls Rapids and Next Shift Hockey Canada.

Powered by Next Shift Hockey Canada

This event is made possible through our partnership with Next Shift Hockey Canada, a 100% volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to removing barriers that prevent young athletes from participating in sport.

Their mission is simple:

To remove barriers to sport by providing quality equipment and resources to youth who need it most. We believe every athlete deserves the chance to play, grow, and belong, regardless of financial circumstances.

Through donations, partnerships, and community engagement, Next Shift helps create pathways for participation, confidence, and long-term development for young athletes.

Since 2021, Next Shift has:

  • Helped more than 2,197 young athletes
  • Distributed over $1.9 million worth of hockey equipment and financial assistance
  • Reached communities across Canada and internationally, including Kenya, Serbia, Jamaica, and beyond
  • Operated entirely through volunteers, ensuring every donated dollar goes directly toward helping young athletes

We're incredibly proud to partner with an organization making such a meaningful impact on the hockey community and helping ensure every child has the opportunity to play the game we all love.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Location: Lawn behind the Gatineau Valley Arena & Heritage Hall

Help Us Spread the Word

Know a family who could benefit from this event?

Share this article, invite them to attend, or tag them on social media. Together, we can help ensure every child who wants to play hockey has the opportunity to get on the ice this season.

If you'd like to support Next Shift's mission by donating equipment, volunteering, or making a financial contribution, we encourage you to learn more about the incredible work they do and the thousands of young athletes they've already helped.

We look forward to seeing everyone on August 22 for another great day of hockey, community, and giving back.