OK Tire Helps Young People Discover Hockey

Partnering with Hockey Canada, OK Tire’s independent dealer network delivers $55,000 in direct player funding, association grants, and registration assistance across Canadian communities.

Independent tire and auto service retailer OK Tire has completed the second year of its national “Drive to Play” campaign in partnership with Hockey Canada. The initiative focuses on reducing financial barriers for youth hockey participants while investing directly in local associations and the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund.

For independent store owners and retail network operators, the campaign connects commercial locations directly to community engagement. This year, 13 minor hockey players representing each Hockey Canada member division received $500 toward registration fees, while their respective local hockey associations were awarded $1,500 for equipment and facility improvements.

Additionally, OK Tire contributed $30,000 to the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund, bringing its cumulative funding to $55,000 since 2025. OK Tire President and CEO Brian Mielko noted that the campaign reflects the dual role of independent dealers as local business owners and active community volunteers. The corporate partnership also extends to major national and international tournaments, including the IIHF World Junior Championship.

2026 Drive to Play National Grant Winners:

Winner

Local Hockey Association

Partner OK Tire Location

Adelaide Trenholm

Nanaimo Minor Hockey Association

OK Tire Parksville

Elliot Stead

Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association

OK Tire 22nd St W

Keegan McConnell

KC Hockey Club

OK Tire Edmonton North

Brylee Fontaine

St. Vital Minor Hockey Association

OK Tire Winnipeg – St. Anne’s Rd

Jackson Chiponski

Geraldton Minor Hockey Association

OK Tire Longlac

Kailen Armstrong

George Bell Hockey Association

OK Tire Toronto – The Annex

Sarah Lake

East Ottawa Girls Hockey Association

OK Tire Orleans

Crishven Vydelingum

Association de hockey mineur de Pierrefonds

OK Pneus Pierrefonds

Zoe Caldwell

Western Valley Female Hockey Association

OK Tire Woodstock Carleton

Keenan Pierce

Kensington and Area Minor Hockey

OK Tire Charlottetown

Jasper Dennis

Sackville Minor Hockey Association

OK Tire Middle Sackville

Michael Norcott

Conception Bay Regional Minor Hockey

OK Tire Tulk Tire

Aurora Kotokak

Yellowknife Minor Hockey Association

OK Tire Network