Coach Jacob isn’t just coaching hockey—he’s coaching people. That’s what makes him February’s Free Play Coach of the Month. 🎉

Jacob has made a lasting impact through his commitment to delivering the Sport to Life curriculum and creating a positive, supportive environment for every player. Over the course of the season, kids who could barely skate are now confidently suiting up for ice hockey with a new sense of belief in themselves.

That’s the “Jacob effect.”✨

The Wolves Athletics Club has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 UNIFIED Assist Program grant from Canada Basketball! 🏀🍁

What's in it for us: This funding will support the future launch of a Jr. Wolves 3x3 Basketball League, that could include 8 teams, with practices, games, and ID camps on scheduled dates throughout the season.

We’re grateful to Canada Basketball for investing in programs like ours and making sport more accessible. Can’t wait to get started and see our athletes on the court‼️

Congrats to the Wolves Hockey Players of the Season! Each of these athletes stood out on the floor / ice and will be receiving a gift card to celebrate their hard work! 🎁

• U11 South Ball Hockey - Isaiah L'Hirondelle #11

• U11 North Ball Hockey - Grey Catapusan #8 

• U13 Ball Hockey - Dino Katua #18

• U15 Ice Hockey - Kayci Arnold #19 

Also, huge shoutout to the coaches for guiding these players, helping them grow, and bringing out their best this season!

The Free Play Hockey Pathway is proudly supported by the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation 🧡🩵

Bringing Free to Play to Ermineskin Elementary is having a meaningful impact on both students and families. Parents appreciate knowing their children have a safe, fun place to be after school, while staff have seen students who might usually struggle become engaged, active, and excited to participate. As one staff member put it, “This whole program… is so, so, so important,” especially for kids who face challenges outside the classroom. For the students themselves, the difference is clear—one called it “the best day of my life.” By removing barriers, this program gives more kids the chance to play, grow, and feel part of something positive.

Congrats to the Wolves Soccer Players of the Season! These athletes stood out as leaders all season long and will be recognized for their efforts! 🙌🏽

• U13 Boys – Jakin Ganza

• U13 Girls – Taraneh Rezai

• U15 Boys – Hassan Haji

• U17 Boys – Adam Martin

• Soccer Development Academy – Dominion Amenaghawon (not pictured above)

Huge shoutout to the coaches for their leadership and support this season, helping make this growth possible! 🙌🏽

The Free Play Soccer Pathway is proudly powered by Jumpstart Charities ❤️

Last Friday, the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation invited the Ermineskin team to an Oilers' game in the SUMMIT Suite!!!! They received authentic Oilers jerseys, had an all you can-eat buffet with so many dessert options. A chocolate bar as long as a table got eaten (no exaggeration). Hunter even made a surprise visit to hang out with the team!

Thank you to the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation for hosting the team, coaches, and principals of the school!

On Tuesday, the Wolves Soccer Academy welcomed a special mixed training session on the field with Welcome to Play and the U13 girls. With the Wolves currently between seasons—having just wrapped up their indoor season and preparing to begin outdoor in a few weeks—it was the perfect opportunity to bring programs together!

It was absolutely incredible to see kids from different parts of the Free Play community training side by side, learning from each other, and sharing the game. Moments like this are a powerful example of the Free Play pathway in action — from Welcome to Play all the way to the Wolves program.❤️

Thanks to CN Rail, children in our Food to Play program are not just eating better—they’re learning skills that will last a lifetime. In our last survey, 86% of kids reported feeling more knowledgeable about healthy foods and habits, and families are noticing kids making healthier choices at home.

With over $90K invested, CN’s support reaches 24 schools and 480 kids, providing daily snacks for everyone. To date, that’s over 27,000 nutritious snacks helping kids stay fueled for play and learning. Their investment is more than money—it’s support that strengthens communities and helps kids thrive, both in Free Play and at home!

Belmont Sobeys has become one of the strongest supporters of our Food to Play program—not only through financial contributions, but by truly showing up for the kids we serve. Store owner Jerry and assistant manager Jason regularly attend tournament days, jumping into games and bringing an energy that kids immediately connect with.

Beyond the field, their team also works alongside our Food to Play Manager and certified nutritionist, Dacia, to help prepare food hampers, super snacks, and daily snacks that keep kids fueled and ready to play. The impact is clear: kids now recognize Jerry and Jason and even look for them when visiting Belmont Sobeys. It’s a powerful example of what happens when a local business becomes a true part of the community.

Stories like Samen’s are a reminder that the lesson kiddos our learning through our Free to play and Wolves programs have a big impact, not only on the field, but in all aspects of their life.

As told by his mother, Samen has gone through Free to Play, the U11 Wolves and is now part of the U13  Wolves Boys Soccer Team. She has noticed Samen is learning, he’s applying the lessons he has been learning from his coaches to lead his siblings when doing activities at home

It’s moments like these that show the real impact of our programs. The lessons learned aren’t just staying on the field, kids are taking teamwork, leadership, and respect home, and into their communities!