City naming rights partners extend their support to help more Kingston kids get on the ice

Several City of Kingston naming rights partners are donating their facility credits to the Hockey Diversity Program, operated by the Boys and Girls Club (BGC South East), in partnership with the Kingston Area Minor Hockey Association (KAMHA), Kingston Frontenacs, and the Hockey Diversity Alliance.

As part of their naming rights agreements, one of the benefits are credits to be used at City facilities. These partners have chosen to donate their credits to support this unique program.  The donated credits will help the program secure more ice time and reach more of the children currently waiting for a spot. Sincere thanks to naming rights partners INVISTA, CaraCo, Philip McLean Desjardins Insurance, CUPE 109 and Selkirk Homes for their generous support.

“Hockey belongs to everyone in this city, and the Frontenacs want every kid in Kingston to feel that. This program removes the barriers that keep young players off the ice. It’s great to see local businesses put their support behind the next generation of players and fans.” – Colton Robb, Director of Marketing and Ticket Strategies, Kingston Frontenacs.

The Hockey Diversity Program provides children from underrepresented communities with the opportunity to experience hockey completely free of charge. From supplying full equipment to offering weekly on-ice instruction, the program removes financial and accessibility barriers that often stand in the way. The result is a welcoming, inclusive environment where kids can learn the game, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging in the hockey community.

“Every Sunday we see kids step onto the ice for the first time and leave with a little more confidence than they came with. Right now, more than 100 children are waiting for that chance. These donated credits mean we can open the door to more of them, at no cost to their families. We’re grateful to the City and its partners for seeing what this program can do.” – says Jahmaal Branker, Manager of Youth Programs at BGC South East.

Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of skating and hockey in a fun, welcoming, and supportive environment. Sessions are divided into age-appropriate groups with each group receiving 50 minutes of ice time each week. This structure ensures that all participants benefit from tailored instruction that matches their age and skill level while helping them gain confidence and build a deeper love for the game.  The program reaches about 50 children each year, but more than 120 are on the waiting list.

More information on the Hockey Diversity Program can be found on BGC Southeast’s website.