Winnipeg Jets Experience - 2026 - Winnipeg, MB

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Winnipeg Jets Experience on 12 & 13 January, 2026 is now open. The application deadline is 1600 hrs, 14 December 2025.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT:  
Soldier On, in collaboration with True North Sports & Entertainment (TNSE), Winnipeg Jets Alumni, and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, will conduct a two-day Winnipeg Jets Experience at the Hockey For All Centre and Canada Life Centre. The event will see seventeen (17) Soldier On members participate in a skills & drills practice and a fun-filled hockey game with the Jets Alumni on Monday, January 12th, 2025. On Tuesday, January 13th, 2025, each participant will have the opportunity to watch the New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets game at the Canada Life Centre.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to seventeen (17), 2 x goaltenders and 15 x skaters.

Participants will need to supply their own hockey equipment. A jersey will be supplied by Soldier On.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Prairie Region(MB/SK/NW ON) who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to change):

Sunday, 11 Jan 2026
NLT 1700: Arrival of participants from outside Winnipeg region

Monday, 12 Jan 2026
0900 hrs: Soldier On participants arrive at HFAC.
0915-1000 hrs: Introductions, welcome, and Move to dressing room.
1000-1030 hrs: Hockey practice (skills & drills) run by Winnipeg Jets Alumni.
1030-1130 hrs: Hockey Scrimmage with Alumni1130-1215 hrs: Shower & move to lunch location.1215-1330 hrs: Lunch / Mixer with Jets Alumni.1330 hrs: Depart to 17 Wing for Mobility/Stretching session
1600 hrs: End of the day

Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026
0900-1500 hrs: Soldier On Team Friendly Game / Winnipeg Jets game day practice (Activities / timings subject to change).
1615 hrs: Depart 17 Wing via DND Bus.
1645 hrs: Arrive at restaurant for group dinner.
1645-1815 hrs: Group dinner at restaurant. 
1815 hrs: Depart via DND Bus. 
1845 hrs: Arrive at Canada Life Centre and move to seats. 
1900-2200 hrs: Watch game New York Islanders vs Winnipeg Jets.
2200-2230 hrs: Return to 17 Wing.

Wednesday, 14 Jan 2026
TBC - Departure of participants from outside Winnipeg region

Transportation:

Travel assistance will be provided for this event as follows:
 
Northwestern Ontario Participants All participants from NW Ontario will travel to and from Winnipeg by air. Upon arrival, they will be picked up at the Winnipeg airport by the event OPI and transported via DND vehicle to and from the Hockey For All Centre and the Canada Life Centre.
 
Manitoba Participants 

1) Shilo / Brandon Participants Participants from Shilo/Brandon will travel via POMV and must arrive at the Dakota Inn, 17 Wing Winnipeg, no later than 1700 hrs. They will then travel by DND vehicle to and from the Hockey For All Centre and the Canada Life Centre. 

2) Winnipeg & Area Participants
Travel assistance is not provided for participants residing within the Winnipeg local area. Reporting timings and locations will be communicated closer to the event.
  
Saskatchewan Participants 

1) Regina / Moose Jaw ParticipantsParticipants from Regina and Moose Jaw will travel via POMV and must arrive at the Dakota Inn, 17 Wing Winnipeg, no later than 1700 hrs. They will then travel by DND vehicle to and from the Hockey For All Centre and the Canada Life Centre. 

2) Saskatoon Participants Participants from Saskatoon will travel to and from Winnipeg by air. They will be picked up at the Winnipeg airport by the event OPI and transported via DND vehicle to and from the Hockey For All Centre and the Canada Life Centre. 
 
Meals & Accommodations 
Meals and on-base accommodations (shared rooms) will be provided to all selected Soldier On members traveling to Winnipeg for this event. Selected Soldier On members from Winnipeg and the surrounding area will not be provided accommodations. They will receive the following meals only:

• Lunch: 12–13 January
• Dinner: 13 January 2026

Mental & Physical Requirements:
This event will occur IAW participants MEL’s, however is not fully adaptive as members will be required to skate upright. Applicants must be able to tolerate two (2) hours of moderate to high paced activities for 2 days. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Participants must be physically able to play hockey without issue or being in violation of their MELs. This includes skating in an upright position, shooting & passing a puck, and following instructions on the ice.

Participants must have their own hockey equipment and must have a helmet with a full visor or cage, as well as a neck guard.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that some of the meals, activities and the accommodations are at CFB / 17 Wing Winnipeg, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment.