Maritime NHL’ers for Kids announces 'Last Shift'
March 4, 2024
We are thrilled to announce that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Maritime NHL’ers for Kids. With bittersweet sentiment, we also reveal that this milestone edition will be our "Last Shift”. We intend to commemorate 25 years of historic achievements before gracefully retiring from the game. Join us as we embark on two days of festivities, celebrating the vision of Rick Bowness and the unwavering support of our teammates across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
At the heart of our event lies a profound passion for breaking down financial barriers that hinder young boys and girls from pursuing their hockey dreams in NS-NB-PEI.
- Over the past 24 years, with the invaluable assistance of Kid Sport, Jumpstart, and the NHLPA, we have helped over 6,500 young athletes take their first steps onto the ice.
- We've had the honour of welcoming over 3,000 minor hockey players to 'golf day,' where they experience the unique opportunity of spending a day with business leaders and hockey heroes.
- Through partnerships with the NHL Players Association and local minor hockey organizations, we have distributed over 500 full sets of hockey equipment to deserving young athletes. These achievements, among others, fill us with immense pride since our inception in 2000, when it all began at the Oakfield Golf & Country Club in Halifax.
As a special highlight of our "Last Shift" celebrations, we are delighted to announce our return to Fox Harb'r Golf Resort, where patrons will enjoy a world-class golf course, award-winning cuisine, 5-star accommodations, and the finest maritime hospitality. On July 17, the Timber Mart Gala Celebrity Dinner + Auction will take place at the Fox Harb'r aircraft hangar, followed by the Canadian Tire Golf Day on July 18. As part of the "Last Shift" festivities, we are excited to provide live entertainment and special surprises that will make this final edition truly unforgettable.
Join us as we honor 25 years of dedication, passion, and impact in the lives of young athletes. Let's make this "Last Shift" a celebration to remember!
Rick Bowness
Record Setting NHL Coach
2,767 Games
Co-Founder #MN4Kids
2024 Honourary Chair: Forbes Kennedy
Forbes Kennedy is a former professional ice hockey player known for his tenacious style. Born in Dorchester, New Brunswick, Canada, Kennedy played in the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1960s and 1970s. Kennedy spent the majority of his NHL career with the Boston Bruins, where he earned a reputation as a fierce competitor. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches tall, Kennedy was not the biggest player on the ice, but he made up for it with his physical play and willingness to battle for every puck.
Throughout his career, Kennedy also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs. After retiring from professional hockey, Forbes Kennedy remained involved in the sport as a coach. He continued to contribute to the hockey community, sharing his knowledge and passion for the game with younger generations.
Forbes Kennedy's legacy in the NHL is marked by his toughness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the sport he loved. He remains a beloved figure among hockey fans, remembered for his contributions to the game both on and off the ice. Today, Forbes Kennedy is one of only 6 living Maritimes to have played in the NHL's Original 6.