WINNIPEG, Manitoba — The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg this week hosted a delegation of young Israeli hockey players for a weeklong visit that combined intensive ice time with school engagement, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of community support.
The players arrived in Winnipeg on Wednesday, January 14, and immediately began a full schedule of activities designed to showcase the city while providing opportunities for athletic development and personal connection. The visit was coordinated by the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg in partnership with Maccabi Canada.
According to the Federation, the program was organized by Abby Flackman, the Federation’s Israel and Overseas Coordinator, who arranged host family accommodations, meals, transportation, and a schedule that balanced hockey training with educational and cultural experiences.
From the outset, host families welcomed the players into their homes, providing not only lodging but a sense of safety and belonging. Federation officials said ensuring the players felt comfortable and supported was a central priority throughout the week.
Ice time was a central feature of the visit. The players skated at multiple venues across the city, including Canlan Arena and the Hockey for All Iceplex, the Winnipeg Jets’ practice facility. At the Iceplex, the group practiced with Winnipeg Jets instructors, gaining exposure to high-level coaching and facilities.
They also experienced outdoor skating on the river at The Forks, a distinctly Winnipeg tradition. For many of the players, daily access to ice was a rare opportunity. Federation officials noted that in their home communities in Israel, reaching a rink can require hours of travel.
“For kids who do not grow up with rinks around the corner, being on the ice every day was unforgettable,” the Federation said in a statement.
Off the ice, the schedule emphasized connection with the local Jewish community. Federation staff and board members joined the players for a pizza night, followed by a screening of the film The Mighty Ducks. The group visited Gray Academy and Brock Corydon School, where they sat in classes, spoke with students, and played floor hockey.
The players also met with Shinshinim hosted by Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, sharing personal stories and experiences from Israel. The exchange provided an opportunity for peer-to-peer connection and cultural understanding.
A visit to Assiniboine Park included a guided tour of the zoo, where the players were given behind-the-scenes access and watched the polar bears being fed. Federation officials described the experience as a highlight of the week.
One moment, according to organizers, captured the spirit of the visit particularly well. After a meal at The Pancake House, the players discovered that a stranger had already paid their bill.
“It was a simple act, but it reflected the generosity and kindness of the city,” the Federation said.
The week also included bowling with Israeli children living in Winnipeg, outdoor skating, shared meals across the city, and evenings spent with host families. On January 20, the group attended a Winnipeg Jets game against the St. Louis Blues, cheering together as the Jets secured a victory.
Federation officials emphasized that the visit would not have been possible without the support of Maccabi Canada, which played a key role in bringing the players to Winnipeg and initiating the program.
The Jewish Federation of Winnipeg expressed gratitude to the host families, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community partners who contributed accommodations, meals, experiences, and gifts throughout the week.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who opened their homes and their hearts,” the Federation said. “Your support created memories these players will carry with them long after they return home.”
For the young athletes, the visit offered both athletic opportunity and respite from the pressures of daily life in Israel. While Winnipeg’s January temperatures were a challenge, organizers said the warmth of the community far outweighed the cold.
“Yes, there was plenty of cold,” the Federation noted, “but there was even more warmth, coming from a community that welcomed them and made sure they felt at home every single day.”
Federation leaders said the visit reinforced the importance of people-to-people connections between Israeli youth and Jewish communities abroad, particularly at a time when strengthening global Jewish solidarity remains a priority.
