Saturday, June 13, 2026
INVISTA Centre, Kingston ON
1350 Gardiners Road
Selkirk Icepad
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
A CELEBRATION OF HOCKEY,
COMMUNITY & PRIDE
A FREE COMMUNITY EVENT
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
MATT'S HOCKEY
HOMECOMING
SELKIRK ICEPAD
A homecoming 20 years in the making. Matt steps back onto the ice—reunited, for the first time in two decades. with former teammates and embracing the moment as his authentic self in the city that raised him.
Viewing open to the public.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
NHL 4 NATIONS
CUP PHOTO OP
HALL C
INVISTA CENTRE
The NHL 4 Nations Cup is presented to the champion of the Four Nations Face-Off. Team Canada won the trophy in 2025. This is the first time the trophy will be in Kingston c/o the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Free - open to the public.
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM
YOUTH SKILLS
WORKSHOP
SELKIRK ICEPAD
A co-ed on-ice session led by Dave McMullen (Mully’s Hockey) and #72 Darcie Lappan (PWHL Vancouver Goldeneye’s), focused on skating drills, puck handling and hockey fundamentals. Full hockey equipment needed.
Registration required.
Limited spots available.
PRESENTED BY
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10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
GABE VILARDI
AUTOGRAPH SIGNING
Meet Winnipeg Jets forward #13 Gabe Vilardi as he returns home to Kingston for a special appearance at Back on Home Ice. Gabe will meet fans at a special autograph signing session.
HALL C
INVISTA CENTRE
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
INCLUSIVE
COACHING SEMINAR
HALL A
INVISTA CENTRE
A coaching seminar led by You Can Play, focused on building inclusive, supportive team environments—equipping coaches with practical tools to ensure every player feels safe, valued, and included. Through real-life experiences, we’ll also explore how to navigate challenging situations with players, referees, and parents
Registration required.
Limited Spots Available
PRESENTED BY
COACHES WILL RECEIVE 2
CAC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PTS
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
COMMUNITY PRIDE
SKATE
An open community skate welcoming participants of all ages and skill levels, celebrating Kingston during Pride Weekend and reinforcing that hockey is for everyone. Limited skate rentals will be available through Jack's Pro Shop within the INVISTA Centre.
No registration required.
SELKIRK ICEPAD
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
OFF-ICE
ART ACTIVITIES
A family-friendly, off-ice hockey art experience led by Vanessa J Martin, where participants of all ages can design a textured art piece and take home their own 1' x 1' artwork.
No registration required.
HALL C
INVISTA CENTRE
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
AFTER PARTY
RED HOUSE WEST
629 FORTUNE CRES.
Join players and the Kingston community as the celebration continues off the ice.
Food and beverage available for purchase.
MATT'S STORY
Matt Kenny grew up in Kingston, where hockey was his life. He played for over a decade, for both competitive and his high school teams, chasing the game he loved through early mornings, practices and long bus rides, quietly carrying the weight of being a closeted athlete in a culture where he didn't think there was room for him in the game.
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Eventually, he walked away.
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His hockey bag sat untouched in the corner of his parents’ basement for twenty years.
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In 2021, Matt was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a moment that forced him to revisit his relationship with his body, identity and resilience. As his physical abilities declined and even walking started to become painful, the darkness began to take over.
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Then, during one of those walks, while struggling with the decision of whether he could keep going, he saw a sign tied to a lamppost that read:
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“One day, you will tell your story of what you went through and it will become someone else’s survival guide.”
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And in that moment, he made a different decision.
That he would stay.
That he would fight.
And that he would live loudly enough to make sure others knew they were not alone, and that their stories mattered too.
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Against medical advice, he started running marathons as a way to fight back against the disease and reclaim ownership over his body.
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Since then, Matt has completed three stars in the six World Marathon Majors (Chicago, New York, London), with his sights now set on earning his fourth star in Berlin this September.
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But through all of it, he always knew there was one part of his life he still needed to heal: his relationship with his hometown and the sport he loved.
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Now, decades after walking away from hockey, Matt is returning home to Kingston to step onto the ice with his former teammates for the first time as his full self.
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Back on Home Ice is more than a hockey event. It is a full-circle moment about belonging, visibility and proving that no one should have to hide who they are to feel welcome in the game they love.
Because the ice belongs to all of us.
FAQ'S
Public Skating Rules * All children 10 and under must wear a CSA approved protective helmet with screen. * An adult actively skating must supervise children aged 7 and under. * Do not carry children (in any form) on the ice surface. * Only people wearing skates are allowed on the ice surface. * Skate at a sensible speed and follow the direction chosen by City staff. * Do not bring food or beverages onto the ice surface. * Do not use hockey sticks, equipment or pucks during public skates. * Do not play games like tag, racing, or power skating. * Do not perform figure skating movements like spinning, jumping or skating backwards. * Do not use personal audio devices on the ice. * Foul language, inappropriate behaviour or throwing snow/ice will not be tolerated. * Speed skates (long blades) are allowed if the skater does not exceed the speed of other skaters.
Is this event free? Yes - every part of this event is free.
Do I have to pre-register? Yes — the Coaching Seminar and Youth Skills Workshop need pre-registration. Click here to register.
Are helmets required? Yes — Anyone on the ice surface must be wearing a helmet.
Do I need to bring my own equipment? Yes — participants should bring their own skates and gear.
Is the Kids Skills Workshop suitable for beginners? Participants should have basic skating skills. This is not a learn to skate session. It will focus on 20 mins of skating drills and 20 minutes of stick handling skills. It is designed for a range of skill levels, with a focus on fun, learning, and confidence.
Do I need to bring my own equipment? Yes — participants should bring their own skates and gear.
Will there be dressing rooms available? Yes — every session will have two dressing rooms available. The event is not responsible for personal items left in locker rooms.
What is the Coaching Seminar? A session for coaches on creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments where every player can succeed.
Is it all ages? Yes — All ages are welcome to attend and take part.
Can people watch from the stands? Absolutely. Spectators are welcome throughout the event.
Who can attend? Every human being can attend as their true and authentic selves and can be assured that the space will be safe and welcoming.