The Winnipeg Jets are turning their Oct. 17 matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes into more than just a game.
For their fifth annual Child Advocacy Game, the club is partnering with Toba Centre for Children & Youth to spotlight Child Abuse Awareness Month and push resources out to Manitobans on how to support children and families affected by abuse, and how to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
The night will carry a clear blue theme. Fans are being asked to join the #GoBlueToba effort and wear blue to the game, where Toba Centre’s “helping hounds” - DWW Duke, DWW Booster and DWW Jelly - will handle the ceremonial puck drop at centre ice. The dogs, who work with the youth and families who visit the centre, will also appear on the concourse with the Toba Centre team during October home games to share information with fans.
There are also a few ways for supporters to contribute directly. On Oct. 17, fans can buy an Adam Lowry-signed Toba Centre puck at Jets Gear, with every dollar going to Toba Centre. A Cocktail or Mocktail in Blue will also be on offer, with $1 from each drink supporting the organization.
The first 5,000 fans through the doors will get a Kids Charm Bracelet featuring the jersey of Jets captain Adam Lowry, who has been a Toba Centre ambassador and dedicated advocate for the past six years.
Lowry will also be front and centre off the ice this week. On Thursday, Oct. 8, he is set to co-host Toba Centre’s fifth annual gala, A Night in Blue, alongside local radio personality Ace Burpee at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. Since 2022, that event has raised more than $685,000 for Toba Centre, helping more youth and families impacted by abuse get the support they need.
Toba Centre will have its team and support dogs at several other Jets home dates this month as well: Oct. 7 vs. Colorado, Oct. 9 vs.
Anaheim, Oct. 13 vs. Minnesota, Oct. 17 vs.
Carolina, Oct. 25 at the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic vs. Montreal and Oct. 27 vs.
Florida.
The organization’s #GoBlueToba campaign also includes a call for Manitobans to wear blue on Oct. 24, attend Child Abuse Awareness Month events and follow Toba Centre on social media at @tobacentremb on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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