OK Tire Stores Inc. and Hockey Canada have completed the second year of their Drive to Play program, which connects participating OK Tire locations with youth hockey players and local hockey associations across Canada.

The grassroots initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers to youth hockey participation while supporting community hockey organizations.

This year, Drive to Play awarded 13 minor hockey players — one representing each of Hockey Canada's Member Branches — $500 each to help offset registration costs for the upcoming season.

Each winner's local hockey association also received $1,500 to support programming, equipment and facility needs.

OK Tire also contributed $30,000 this year to the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund, bringing its total contributions to the fund to $55,000 since 2025.

The Assist Fund provides financial assistance to families facing hockey registration barriers. Hockey Canada says the fund has helped more than 12,800 families since its launch, with all donations distributed to communities throughout Canada's provinces and territories.

“Hockey has always been woven into the fabric of the communities our members serve,” says Brian Mielko, president and CEO of OK Tire. “Our members aren’t just business owners, they’re parents, coaches, volunteers and neighbours who understand the positive impact sport has on young people. Drive to Play is an extension of who we are as a brand, investing in our communities, helping families and supporting the organizations that make local hockey possible.”

The program allowed young players to enter through participating OK Tire locations or online.

“Initiatives like Drive to Play help provide more young players with opportunities to be part of our National Winter Sport, and we are grateful for OK Tire’s continued support of this program and hockey across Canada,” says Dean McIntosh, senior vice president of revenue, fan experience and community impact for Hockey Canada.

This year's winners represented hockey associations in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories. Participating OK Tire stores were connected with winners and associations in their respective communities.

OK Tire and Hockey Canada first announced their partnership in December 2024. In addition to Drive to Play and other grassroots initiatives, the partnership includes national and international hockey events, including the IIHF World Junior Championship and IIHF Women's World Championship.