EllisDon Proudly Presents the Northern Alumni Classic: Bringing Hockey, Community, and Impact to Nunavut

Hockey Helps the Homeless’ (HHTH) Northern Alumni Classic proved to be far more than a game; it was a catalyst for connection, visibility, and meaningful impact in Nunavut. As presenting sponsor, EllisDon supported an event rooted in community need and driven by a desire to show up in Canada’s far North, where the challenges are complex, and the opportunities to make a difference are profound.

Held March 19–22, 2026, in Iqaluit, the Northern Alumni Classic marked a historic first: the first NHL Alumni game ever played in Nunavut, and the northernmost alumni game in Canada. The event brought together the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni and HHTH All‑Stars for an unforgettable matchup, while ensuring that the benefits extended far beyond the rink.

One hundred percent of net proceeds will remain in Nunavut, supporting community‑led organizations addressing homelessness, food insecurity, and holistic wellbeing. The event will grant over $300,000 to Inuit-led initiatives fighting homelessness and food insecurity across the territory.

Why This Event Matters

For EllisDon, the decision to sponsor the Northern Alumni Classic was deeply tied to its long‑term commitment to working in the North and addressing Canada’s housing and homelessness crisis.

“EllisDon showed up because addressing homelessness, especially in the often‑overlooked North, is deeply important to us, and this event offered a unique

opportunity to support a meaningful cause,” said Shaun Stiles, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Atlantic Region, EllisDon.

Being in Iqaluit reinforced the importance of that decision. The tight‑knit nature of the community, the pride in local culture, and the response from residents made the purpose of the event tangible.

“It was very apparent how connected the community is,” Stiles said. “Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces at the rink and around the city showed just how much this event meant. We were welcomed with open arms; not just at the event, but by the community as a whole.”

Turning an Ambitious Idea into Reality

HHTH’s vision, that all Canadians deserve a safe place to call home, has raised granted more than $35 million since 1996 and supports over 65 agencies nationwide. Yet Nunavut had long remained out of reach due to the complexity and cost of hosting large‑scale events in remote regions.

The Northern Alumni Classic changed that narrative.

Through partnerships with the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni, Sportsnet, Jordin Tootoo, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and local organizations, HHTH delivered a first‑of‑its‑kind northern event, ensuring lasting benefits for Inuit communities where 76% of Inuit experience food insecurity.

Supporting Local Inuit‑Led Organizations

Event proceeds are directly supporting two Nunavut‑based organizations making a measurable difference on the ground:

Annauma Community Foundation Nunavut’s first community foundation, Annauma connects donors, partners, and governments with Inuit‑led initiatives aligned with community priorities. Funding from HHTH will support its Community Health and Wellbeing stream, advancing programs focused on learning, connection, and long‑term resilience.

Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre (QCFC) An Inuit‑led hub in Iqaluit, QCFC addresses food insecurity through direct food access, skills training, and advocacy. HHTH funding will help expand access to healthy food while supporting culturally meaningful, sustainable approaches to food sovereignty.

Inspiring Youth and Celebrating Northern Hockey

A central focus of the Northern Alumni Classic was investing in the next generation. Youth registered with the Iqaluit Amateur Hockey Association participated in on‑ice sessions led by NHL Alumni and Olympians, while local coaches engaged in mentorship and knowledge‑sharing.

For Stiles, the impact of those moments was unmistakable.

“Watching the kids lined up around the boards during the game—you could see it on their faces,” he said. “It showed us exactly how much this meant to the community.”

A Game That Will Make History—and a Difference

As presenting sponsor, EllisDon is proud to have supported the Northern Alumni Classic, helping ensure that a historic event delivered real, lasting impact in Nunavut.

“From an EllisDon perspective, this was far more than an event; it was a meaningful demonstration of what can be achieved when purpose, community, and partnership truly align,” said Mike Armstrong, Senior Vice President & Area Manager, Ottawa, EllisDon.

“What made this experience so special was the energy around it; the people, the place, and the shared commitment to a great cause. Being in Iqaluit, connecting with the community, and spending time together created memories and relationships that will last well beyond the event itself. The alumni were also truly enjoyable to have around; their enthusiasm, stories, and genuine engagement added so much to the overall experience,” said Armstrong.

More than a game, the Northern Alumni Classic stands as a testament to northern resilience, and to what’s possible when organizations come together with purpose, respect, and a shared commitment to community.

Players also visited local schools, reinforcing lessons around teamwork, resilience, and perseverance. A screening of the Jordin Tootoo documentary proved especially powerful, offering a moment of reflection on identity, adversity, and the strength of northern communities.