08/23/2026
The 3rd Annual Paugan Falls Rapids x Next Shift Hockey Gear Up Kids Event was another incredible success. ❤️🏒
This year, 61 athletes joined us in beautiful Low, Quebec — 18 more than last year. Some families travelled more than 3 hours from Rapid Lake First Nation just to be there.
That says everything about how much this event means.
The Paugan Falls Rapids executive continues to show what real community leadership looks like. They are not just growing a hockey program — they are creating opportunities, bringing people together, and making sure more kids have the chance to belong in this game.
Yesterday also became incredibly personal for me.
This executive knows how much I value the people who give the most valuable thing they have — their time.
I was presented with a game-worn Paugan Falls Rapids jersey from our ambassador Aidan Foley, who plays for the team.
My original jersey was lost in our house fire.
I was not expecting this moment at all, and the emotions were very real.
It wasn't just a jersey.
It was a reminder that the relationships we build through hockey matter.
People remember. People care. And sometimes the community you are trying to support turns around and supports you.
To Aidan, the Pugan Falls Rapids executive, the volunteers, families and everyone involved — thank you from the bottom of my heart.
You gave me back a piece of something I thought was gone.
61 athletes. 61 opportunities. One incredible community. And one jersey I will never forget receiving.
This is hockey. This is community. This is the Next Shift. ❤️🏒