Visit the Nomination Page where you can submit a written story or a short video that shows how the hockey association you want to nominate demonstrates each of the following 4 judging criteria:  

REACH those in the community in need of financial assistance  

INSPIRE youth to fall in love with the sport  

SUPPORT youth in developing life skills they can use outside the arena  

ENCOURAGE diversity and inclusion in the community through hockey initiatives  

Submissions should follow the template provided and be a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 500 words (excluding spaces). 

Submissions will be evaluated and assigned points based on how the nominated hockey association demonstrates each of the following criteria:  

REACH those in the community in need of financial assistance  

INSPIRE youth to fall in love with the sport  

SUPPORT youth in developing life skills they can use outside the arena  

ENCOURAGE diversity and inclusion in the community through hockey initiatives  

Any individual who is the age of majority in their province/territory can submit a nomination. (This includes individuals who are members of hockey associations.) You will need permission from MHA to submit.

An individual can only nominate a hockey association once. However, the same hockey association can have multiple approved nominations/submissions from different, unique individuals.  

In order to be eligible for nomination, hockey associations must: 

• have an existing financial assistance program for hockey families.  
• provide sporting opportunities to at least 50 youth hockey players  
• have certified coaching staff  
• have a player safety program and/or policies  
• have an abuse and harassment training and/or policies  

Nominations must be submitted by February 8th, 2027. 

The five hockey associations who are selected as regional winners will receive $25,000 to help families who need financial assistance with hockey registration fees and/or equipment.  

The five winning hockey associations will be eligible for an additional $75,000 Grand Prize. The Grand Prize winner will be decided by a secondary application explaining the association’s vision for how they will use the additional funding to give more kids access hockey. 

The 5 winning hockey associations will be announced by mid-February 2027. 

You can vote for one of the five Kruger Big Assist regional winners to receive an additional $75,000 grand prize, based on which one you feel best demonstrates how they will encourage more kids to play hockey by helping to remove barriers and make the game more accessible, inclusive, and equitable.

Voting is open to residents of Canada who are 13 years of age or older at the time of voting. If you are a minor in your province/territory, your parent or legal guardian must consent to your participation in the program.

You can vote online at KrugerBigAssist.ca/vote.

Yes, when accessing the Internet on your phone or tablet device, visit KrugerBigAssist.ca/vote to cast your vote

No, there is a limit of one vote per person per email address during the voting period.

Yes. Although you can only submit one nomination, your hockey association can be nominated multiple times! Download our Assist Kit to help spread the word on social and rally more support. Don’t forget to tag @KrugerBigAssist when you post.

If you experience technical difficulties while voting, try restarting your device or refreshing the voting page.

Once you've cast your vote on KrugerBigAssist.ca/vote, a confirmation message will be displayed on the website confirming your vote.

No, once your vote has been submitted, it cannot be changed.

The Grand Prize winner of the Kruger Big Assist will be determined based on the association that receives the highest number of votes during the voting period.

If you are having difficulty uploading your submission or any other issues with the Nomination Form, please contact us.  

To modify information on a nomination you have already submitted, contact us.