The National Hockey League (NHL) is preparing to host the 2024 Rogers NHL® All-Star weekend in Toronto, a city renowned for its diversity and vibrant culture. The event is designed to unite the community through a variety of activities and initiatives, with the goal of making hockey accessible and enjoyable for all. Anticipating a turnout of over 25,000 fans, the NHL has arranged a multitude of events, including free ice skating, learn-to-play clinics, and over 100 organized NHL STREET™ ball hockey games.
A key feature of the weekend will be the transformation of Nathan Phillips Square into a lively ice rink, offering more than 20 hours of free public skating and complimentary skate rentals. Additionally, Alexandra Park’s outdoor rink and indoor youth space will be revitalized as part of the NHL All-Star Legacy Project. Moreover, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s South Building is set to stage the 2024 Hyundai NHL Fan Fair, which will feature interactive experiences and games for fans of all ages.
The NHL and its partners have also allocated a significant portion of the event to community outreach and engagement. The 2024 NHL All-Star Legacy Project, in partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs and MLSE Foundation, aims to revamp ball and ice hockey rinks at three parks across the City of Toronto. This initiative will involve engaging more than 23,000 youth each year with hockey programming and donated equipment to lessen barriers to play. At an event open only to the media, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL will unveil the Legacy Project, stressing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for young hockey enthusiasts.
Rogers will also contribute to the community efforts by presenting a donation of $50,000 to Hockey 4 Youth, an organization that welcomes new Canadians by providing free on-ice and off-ice programming. The donation will support kids from over 40 different countries, demonstrating the inclusive nature of the initiatives taking place during the All-Star weekend.
The ‘hockey for all’ Rink at NHL All-Star Weekend will invite skaters of all ages to participate in the festivities, with additional programming that includes team events, alumni clinics, and opportunities for newcomers to showcase their skills. The weekend will also feature a special appearance by some of the most prominent hockey content creators from across North America, who will come together to engage with fans and showcase their unique talents.
Furthermore, in an effort to make the game more inclusive and enjoyable for all fans, the NHL will host a range of events focused on accessibility, including the provision of Sensory Kits for fans with sensory challenges, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation of League activities, and an experimental blind hockey booth to raise awareness about visual impairments in sports.
To conclude the weekend, the NHL will welcome five children battling cancer and heart conditions to experience NHL All-Star Weekend, providing them with behind-the-scenes access to meet their favorite players and mascots. This compassionate gesture is part of the NHL’s ongoing partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to create special NHL experiences for young fans.
The 2024 Rogers NHL All-Star weekend promises to be a celebration of hockey, diversity, and community spirit, uniting fans from all walks of life. With a focus on fun, accessibility, and inclusivity, the event aims to showcase the best of Toronto’s multicultural identity and the universal appeal of the beloved sport of hockey. If you are interested in attending the 2024 Hyundai NHL Fan Fair, please visit NHL.com/FanFair for information regarding hours and ticketing.