In small-town Canada, junior hockey is more than just a sport—it’s the heart of the community. It brings people together, fuels local pride, and gives young athletes a place to chase their dreams. But for many rural teams, staying afloat financially is a constant battle, with travel, equipment, and other costs piling up fast.
That’s where farming has stepped in.
Across the Prairies, junior hockey teams have turned to agriculture to help keep their doors open. By partnering with local farmers and businesses to grow and harvest crops, teams have created a unique fundraising model—with all profits going back into hockey operations.
These projects have helped cover everything from travel and gear to billet support and arena upgrades. More than that, they’ve created a sustainable, community-driven funding solution rooted in the values of hard work and teamwork.
As other teams across the country struggle to survive, these farm-based efforts show what’s possible when rural communities get creative. In places where both hockey and farming are a way of life, it makes perfect sense that one would help sustain the other.
