Get Geared Up for Hockey Season at the Gear for Kids Event – Saturday, July 12!

The Paugan Falls Rapids, in partnership with Nextshift, are excited to invite families to the 2025 Gear for Kids Event — taking place on Saturday, July 12th, from 10 AM to 2 PM on the lawn behind Heritage Hall, just steps from the Gatineau Valley Arena.

Whether your child is trying hockey for the first time or needs some larger equipment for the new season, this is a can’t-miss opportunity to get geared up and excited for the year ahead.

What to Expect

  • One-on-One Gear Fitting
    Each kid will be matched with a Rapids player or Nextshift volunteer who will help assess their equipment needs, find properly sized gear, and make sure they're ready to hit the ice.
  • Photo with a Rapids Player
    Once they’re geared up, kids can snap a photo with the Rapids player who helped them out.
  • Meet Ronnie Rapid
    The Rapids' beloved mascot, Ronnie Rapid, will be on site all day bringing energy, posing for photos, and keeping the atmosphere fun for kids and families.
  • Shooting Station
    Try out new sticks and gloves at the Rapids Shooting Station — a fun spot where kids can take some shots on net with guidance from Rapids players.
  • BBQ On Site
    Families can enjoy a barbecue while the kids get fitted.

How It Works

  • First Come, First Serve: Gear is distributed while supplies last, so we recommend arriving early.
  • Ages 3 to 18 Welcome: Open to all youth in the region, from complete beginners to returning players.
  • Bring Your Stick (if you have one): Kids are welcome to bring their own stick for the shooting station, but it’s not required — we’ll have sticks on hand to give out as part of the gear fittings, along with a few extras available to borrow for anyone who just wants to take some shots.
  • Exchange or Donate Gear: We gladly accept gently used gear donations or exchanges. If you have equipment that no longer fits, bring it along — your contribution will help restock Nextshift’s supplies and ensure even more kids get the gear they need.

Powered by Community Support

This event is made possible through a partnership between the Rapids and Nextshift, a non-profit committed to making hockey more accessible for families across the region. Most kids will receive 75%–100% of their gear at no cost, and financial assistance is available for qualifying families to assist with hockey registration fees.

Last year, 41 local kids were geared up — including goalies, first-timers, and returning players — and we’re aiming to serve even more this year. With the help of Rapids volunteers, special guests like Ronnie Rapid, and the incredible team from Nextshift, this event is about more than equipment — it’s about getting kids excited for hockey and building community through sport.

Join Us

📍 Location: Lawn behind Heritage Hall (beside Gatineau Valley Arena)
📅 Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
⏰ Time: 10 AM – 2 PM
📧 Questions? Reach out to us at pauganfallsrapids@gmail.com

Bring the kids, bring your questions, and leave with everything you need to start the season. Whether you’re new to hockey or looking to upgrade your gear — we’ll see you there!

Know a family who might need gear? Tag them, invite them, and help spread the word — let’s make sure every kid is geared up to play next season!