Grand prize winner of 2026 Kruger Big Assist revealed

Who: Kruger Products

What: The Chapleau Minor Hockey Association, based in the Northern Ontario town of Chapleau, has been named the 2026 winner of the Kruger Big Assist program.

The announcement follows paper company Kruger Products' $25,000 donation to each of five regional winners, revealed last month. The regional winners include, Vancouver Female Ice Hockey Association (British Columbia), Saskatoon & District Comets Female Hockey (Saskatchewan), Lac de Deau Montagnes Hockey Association (Quebec), Keswick Valley Minor Hockey (New Brunswick) and Chapleau Minor Hockey Association (Ontario).

The Kruger Big Assist program supports community hockey associations who are working to remove barriers and promote inclusivity in the sport. 

Chapleau Minor Hockey Association emerged as the grand prize winner after a 72-hour national vote. As a result, the Association will receive an additional $75,000. 

Last year's grand prize winner was North Halton Girls Hockey Association.