Winnipeg Jets Experience

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Winnipeg Jets Experience on 06 & 08 December, 2024 is now open. The application deadline is 1600 hrs, 04 November 2024.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
Soldier On, in collaboration with True North Sports & Entertainment (TNSE), Winnipeg Jets Alumni, and the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, will conduct a two-day Winnipeg Jets Experience at the Hockey For All Centre and Canada Life Centre. The event will see seventeen (17) Soldier On members participate in a skills & drills practice and a fun-filled hockey game with the Jets Alumni on Friday, December 6, 2024. On Sunday, December 8, 2024, each participant and one guest, will have the opportunity to watch the Columbus Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets game at the Canada Life Centre.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to seventeen (17), 2 x goaltenders and 15 x skaters.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the Winnipeg area who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 

*NOTE FOR SERVING MEMBERS: Amidst current financial limitations and a federal directive to reduce defense spending within DND by a Billion dollars, serving members' participation in Soldier On events and activities will now be limited to within their own local    region (i.e., selection for event outside of where they reside is unlikely). As a result, serving members are advised that participation beyond their local area is likely to be denied, as Soldier On cannot sponsor any temporary duty status for serving members in order to align with government guidelines for expenditure reduction. Unfortunately, serving members are not authorized to participate in Soldier On activities and events while on leave.*

DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, 06 Dec 2024 @ Hockey For All Centre
0900 hrs: Soldier On participants arrive at HFAC
0915-1000 hrs: Introductions, welcome, and Move to dressing room
1000-1030 hrs: Hockey practice (skills & drills) run by Winnipeg Jets Alumni
1030-1130 hrs: Hockey Scrimmage with Alumni
1130-1215 hrs: Shower & move to lunch location
1215-1330 hrs: Lunch / Mixer with Jets Alumni
1330 hrs: Depart

Sunday, December 8th, 2024 @ Canada Life Centre – Game Day
1600 hrs: Depart 17 Wing via DND Bus.
1630 hrs: Arrive at Canada Life Centre and move to seats
1700-2100 hrs: Watch Game. Columbus Blue Jackets vs Winnipeg Jets
2100-2130 hrs: Return to 17 Wing

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Lunch will be provided to participants on Friday, December 6, 2024. All other meals and travel for this event are not provided or are not eligible for reimbursement.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
This event will occur IAW participants MEL’s, however is not fully adaptive as members will be required to skate upright. Applicants must be able to tolerate two (2) hours of moderate to high paced activities. Due to the busy activity schedule, applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day. 

Participants must be physically able to play hockey without issue or being in violation of their MELs. This includes skating in an upright position, shooting & passing a puck, and following instructions on the ice.

Participants must have their own hockey equipment and must have a helmet with a full visor or cage, as well as a neck guard.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. Applicants are advised that the pick-up location for Sunday, December 8, 2024, is at CFB / 17 Wing Winnipeg, and thus they may be exposed to a day-to-day military environment.
   
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PREVENTION:
Soldier On, PSP and CAF TG aim to provide a safe environment for all participants and staff. To ensure everyone’s safety, applicants understand that they should aim to adopt personal practices focused on communicable disease prevention such as health awareness, staying home when sick and regular hand cleaning to help prevent the spread.