OK Tire Stores Inc., in partnership with Hockey Canada, is proud to announce the success of the inaugural “OK Tire Drive to Play Program,” a nationwide initiative aimed at supporting minor hockey players and their local associations across Canada.

This long standing, grassroots partnership with Hockey Canada underscores OK Tire’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth development through sport.

As part of the program, 13 young hockey players—one from each of Hockey Canada’s Members—will receive $500 towards their registration fees for the upcoming season. In addition, each winner’s local hockey association will receive $1,500 from OK Tire to support programs and facilities, ensuring a broader impact within the community.

B.C.’s player recipient is Chace Thorpe and organization is Kimberley Minor Hockey Association.

“OK Tire is committed to supporting Canada’s national game, our dealers aren’t just business owners – they’re hockey parents, volunteers, coaches and lifelong fans,” said Shane Butner, Director of Marketing and Communications for OK Tire.

“Together we’re proud to support Canada’s game by helping families with the costs and making sure kids can lace up and play. Each store serves their community in many ways, including their involvement and support in minor hockey. We are looking forward to working together with Hockey Canada to support the passion of the sport while making a genuine and long-term impact at the local level.”

“The OK Tire Drive to Play Program is a tremendous initiative that supports local hockey associations and their participants across Canada, and we are grateful for OK Tire’s commitment and dedication to investing in grassroots hockey with all 13 of our members,” said Dean McIntosh, senior vice-president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada. “We are excited to work with OK Tire to continue to grow the game throughout our country, and look forward to seeing the impact this program will have on participants in future seasons.”

The contest was simple: minor hockey players were encouraged to wear their team jerseys into any OK Tire location nationwide, and scan the in-store QR code to enter.

Winners and their hockey association included:

Chace Thorpe, Kimberley Minor Hockey, Cranbrook, BC

Kyler Berg, Torquay Minor Hockey, Indian Head, SK

Denise McCrea, McKnight Mustangs Hockey Club, Calgary, AB

Tyson Funk, Red River Minor Hockey, Winnipeg, MB

Colton Ouellet, Grealdton Minor Hockey, Longlac, ON

Blake Sometville, Woolwich Minor Hockey, Elmira, ON

Townsend Lance, Cumberland Minor Hockey, Orleans, ON

Noah Grenier-Bigot, Hockey Mineur Bellechasse, Lévis, QC

Nicholas Boucher, Oromocto Minor Hockey, Oromocto, NB

Savanna Trainor , Pownal Minor Hockey, Charlottetown, PEI

Ellie Moore, West Hants Minor Hockey, Halifax, NS

Ella Veitch, St Johns Minor Hockey, Mont Pearl, NL

Gavin Rose, Yellowknife Minor Hockey, Yellowknife, NT

In addition, OK Tire donated $25,000 to the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund, further supporting families facing financial barriers to hockey participation. This initiative is part of a broader multi-year partnership between OK Tire and Hockey Canada, announced in December 2024, which includes support for grassroots and high-performance hockey programs from coast to coast.

The partnership also grants OK Tire marketing rights for major international events, such as the IIHF World Junior Championship and the IIHF Women’s World Championship.

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