Record 61 Young Hockey Players Geared Up at Third Annual NextShift Gear for Kids Event

The third annual NextShift Gear for Kids event was the initiative’s most successful yet, providing free hockey equipment to 61 young athletes from throughout the region.

Held under the gazebo at Redhawk Field during the Gatineau Valley Arena Mixed 3-Pitch Tournament, the event brought together families, NextShift volunteers, other community volunteers and members of the Paugan Falls Rapids organization for a busy day dedicated to helping more children get onto the ice.

After gearing up 42 children in 2024 and 43 in 2025, this year’s record turnout of 61 brings the three-year total to 146 young hockey players supported through the event.

Most of this year’s participants came from communities throughout the Gatineau Valley, while some families travelled from as far away as Rapid Lake to find the equipment their children needed for the upcoming season.

One of the most encouraging parts of the day was seeing several children return after attending the event last year. Some brought back skates and other equipment they had outgrown, allowing those items to be passed along while they found properly fitting gear for another season.

That cycle of giving is at the heart of NextShift. The volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization collects donated hockey equipment and makes it available to children and families completely free of charge. Following the event, the donated and returned equipment will be inspected to ensure it remains in good condition before being sorted and added to NextShift’s inventory for future players.

Community support helped replenish that inventory again this year, with approximately a truckload of equipment donated before and during the event.

Approximately 15 volunteers helped make the day possible, including four NextShift volunteers, five Rapids players, members of the Rapids Executive Committee and other volunteers. Ronnie Rapid was also on hand to take pictures, exchange high-fives and keep spirits high throughout the event.

A particularly meaningful moment came when Rapids goaltender Aidan Foley presented NextShift founder and president Mackenzie Janes with a signed Foley jersey.

Foley has previously worked with NextShift and is a close friend of Janes, whose home was destroyed by fire earlier this spring. Janes lost his extensive hockey jersey collection in the fire, making the presentation of the new jersey for his new collection especially meaningful.

The Rapids would also like to recognize several local businesses whose support helped the event operate smoothly. Tega Excavation and R. Peck Construction each provided large tents that offered much-needed shade for the children and volunteers. Kaza Decor donated four rolls of turf carpet, creating a clean and comfortable area where children could remove their shoes and try on equipment.

The combination of the Gear for Kids event and the GVA Mixed 3-Pitch Tournament made for a packed and lively day at Redhawk Field, demonstrating what can be accomplished when the community comes together.

The Paugan Falls Rapids extend their sincere thanks to NextShift, the volunteers, the supporting businesses and everyone who donated equipment or attended the event. Most importantly, we wish all 61 young athletes the very best as they take to the ice this season.

Gear for Kids has become one of the Rapids’ favourite community initiatives, and plans are already underway to bring it back next summer.