WickFest - What it's All About!
Our Story
Canadian Tire WickFest fuelled by Gatorade and presented by Esso has grown into one of the largest and most celebrated hockey events for young girls in the world.
It was born while Hayley Wickenheiser was preparing for the 2010 Olympics. She had a dream to bring girls of all ages and skill levels from around the world together, so they could engage in the greatest sport in the world – hockey.
This experience focused on building not just the player, but the whole person, an event where girls from around the world form lasting friendships, build life-skills, and participate in an event that builds self-esteem, pride, and skill levels through activities, clinics, and workshops.
Hayley’s dream became a reality with the first Wickenheiser Festival in 2010. Since then, more than 25,000 girls have improved their hockey sense, learned life-long skills and made lasting friends while participating in this celebrated and prestigious sports festival.
Beyond the Competition
Why call it a festival?
Because players are exposed to more than just competition. Outside of the tournament and a four-game guarantee, it also includes access to:
*Workshops and Clinics*
These will be delivered throughout the weekend featuring high-profile and world-renowned coaches, athletes and experts from around the world.
Sample sessions from PREVIOUS years have included. The 2023/24 iteration will be similar, (including the active sessions which you can do as an individual or within your team cohorts). These sessions are available to players, parents, siblings and anyone who is attending WickFest as part of your team. SPACE IS LIMITED BY CAPACITY OF THE VENUE.
Off-Ice Training Like A Pro – a session on hockey-specific off-ice training for developing players
Creating an Elite Mindset – learn how the best athletes in the world think and act forward to have success at all levels
Hot Stove - a roundtable discussion featuring Hayley and some very special guests
Full-Pop Footwork – learn some new footwork drills that will have you skating circles around anyone; even your own coaches!
Nutrition Tips For Athletes – learn about meals, snacks and hydration for busy schedules
Incredible Core – interactive session introducing new and challenging core exercises specifically useful for hockey
Physical Team-building – interactive session including muay thai, ping pong, etc.
A very small "commitment fee" of $10 is charged for these events only to dissuade no-show attendees who take limited spots from others and then don't show up.
Special Sessions and Events:
On-ice demo with Hayley Wickenheiser and NHL special guests (past guests include retired NHL’ers Bryan Trottier, Andrew Ference, Trevor Linden, Mason Raymon and Brendan Morrison)
Opening Reception and Party for players, coaches and parents featuring high-profile special guests (past guests include Country music superstar Dean Brody, Natalie Spooner, Meaghan Mikkelson, Kyle Shewfelt, Erica Wiebe, Stephanie Labbé and international dignitaries), entertainers, sports personalities and guest Olympians. SPACE IS LIMITED BY CAPACITY OF VENUE. No Opening Party in Toronto in for April 2023 event due to lack of venue availability.
General Event Schedule of a standard WickFest
Thursday Night - Opening Party (6:00pm - 8:00pm) - no games
Friday All Day - Games (6:30am - 11:00pm) + clinics and workshops + vendor showcase + special events + guests appearances
Saturday All Day - Games (6:30am - 11:00pm) + clinics and workshops + vendor showcase + special events + guests appearances
Sunday All Day - Games & Finals (6:30am - most games over by 8pm)
SPECIAL Events/Services
- U11/U13 Skills Development on-ice
- U15/U18 Skills Development on-ice
- Professional / Elite-level Women's Hockey Showcase/Games - TBD
- Autograph/Meet&Greet Sessions
- Initiation Showcase hosted by Minor Hockey
WANT TO KNOW MORE? Check out the FAQ's here!
What People are saying about WickFest
"Fun and a total, complete experience for the young ladies. Great off-ice seminars and activities." - Nicky Kay
"We travelled from Victoria to attend. It was a fantastic experience from start to finish for our Bantam A girls!!! From meeting Hayley and learning about her experiences to playing teams from other provinces and participating in some of the amazing other activities it was all in all just awesome!" - Jessica Conley-Svienson
"Truly a celebration of female sport and hockey, like no other!" - Jason Duke