The 4th Annual Noah Dobson HockeyFest brought a record 167 youth hockey teams to Credit Union Place in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, from June 19 to 21, 2026. The three-day street hockey tournament, now the world’s largest HockeyFest, saw another year of massive growth while raising funds for Community Connections Inc., a local charity supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.
The event has exploded in size since its first year, jumping from about 50 teams to 167 in 2026. Organizers describe the turnout as a sign of how deeply the tournament resonates with families across the region. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Noah Dobson, who grew up playing minor hockey in Summerside, was on hand throughout the weekend to pose for team photos, sign autographs, and connect with players.
This year marked Dobson’s first season with the Canadiens after six years with the New York Islanders, but his focus remains on giving back to his hometown. He credits the community’s energy for the event’s success. “The first year I came on, I didn’t really know what to expect. I think we were at around 50 teams then and now we’re at 167,” Dobson said.
Proceeds from the tournament go directly to Community Connections Inc., which provides employment, residential, and support services to more than 150 local adults. In 2024, the event raised $20,000, doubling the previous year’s total. Organizers expect 2026 will set another fundraising record. Money raised helps fund sensory room upgrades, accessible transportation, communication tools, and wellness equipment for clients.
The tournament is organized by the Sport Entertainment Tourism Summerside (SETS) division in partnership with Community Connections. It features divisions for all ages, from under-7 to adult co-ed, and includes a Special Olympics Division. Professional rink equipment is brought in by the HockeyFest team from Ontario, transforming the Credit Union Place parking lot into a hockey hub for the weekend.
