Source: Air Canada

Air Canada proudly flies the country’s flag around the world, and is a proud supporter of hockey, Canada’s national game.  As the official airline to all seven Canadian NHL teams, along with the Toronto Raptors, the Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, Air Canada also celebrates the passion of Canadian sports fans through several programs. One unique and heartwarming initiative is the Air Canada Fan Flight awards which initially launched in 2015 to reward deserving young sports fans with once-in-a-lifetime trips to cheer on their favourite team at an away game.

The 2024-25 season of Air Canada’s Fan Flight program has continued to create more unforgettable experiences for young hockey fans. For the current season which just wrapped up, Air Canada partnered with the Air Canada Foundation to celebrate children and youth who have made significant contributions to their communities.

Nominated through the Air Canada Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting children and youth facing adversity, this year’s recipients embody the program’s spirit of resilience and passion.

The Air Canada Fan Flight program is every hockey fan’s dream come true! In addition to receiving tickets to cheer on their favourite team live, recipients and their loved ones enjoyed complimentary airfare and accommodation in the city they visited. The experience also includes a special surprise airport send-off, the opportunity to attend morning skate with their team, a meet and greet with their teams’ head coach and much more. Beyond the excitement of the game itself, Fan Flights foster social connection and a sense of community, while offering inspiration and motivation to young people.

“As a big brother, I know it’s important to be a good role model for my little sisters. At HEROS, I also try to be a good example to younger players — on the ice, but also away from the rink. Someone did it for me, and now it’s my turn to do it for others,” said Daytin, one of this year’s Fan Flight participants, when asked about the experience and how it will shape his future with his community. Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) is a volunteer driven charity that teaches life skills and empowers marginalized youth through hockey. They provide free programs to youth of all backgrounds from grade four through post-secondary.

“Fan Flight is about creating unforgettable moments that remind these children they matter and that their dreams are within reach. It’s more than just watching their favorite team—it’s about feeling supported and celebrated,” says Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec, Director, Community Engagement at Air Canada. “We hope this experience leaves a lasting impression, giving them the confidence to dream big and see a world full of possibilities”.

Every year, Air Canada Fan Flights are made possible by a collaboration between the Air Canada Foundation, the National Hockey League, and many devoted charitable partners like Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) and the Shine Foundation.

” Our HEROS players all have unique stories and barriers they face in their day to day lives and show incredible courage and resilience to faces these challenges. Seeing them experience these trips—watching their favourite players or teams in action—gives them the hope and encouragement they can use to grow and thrive,” says Kevin Hodgson, Executive Director of HEROS.

The Air Canada Foundation continues to create and implement programs that empower children and youth to spread their wings, reinforcing that barriers can be overcome.

Learn a little more about the 2024/2025 Air Canada Fan Flight recipients:

  • Montreal Canadiens fan, Anthony. Anthony’s love for sports (and especially the Habs!) is undeniable. While he’s faced challenges in team sports, he’s never let his neurodivergence hold him back. With the Avalanche Kidz hockey team, he’s found his place on the ice, learning the fundamentals of hockey and teamwork. Air Canada was there to capture the trip—experience the magic with Anthony here.
  • Winnipeg Jets fan, Addisen. Addisen’s hockey journey began young with Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS). Now, as a peer mentor, they’re stepping up to inspire and lead the next generation of players. See more about Addisen’s experience here.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs fan, Chadd. Chadd is a passionate Toronto Maple Leafs fan living with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and Type 1 diabetes. Para Hockey is the perfect fit for his speed, energy, and love of the game. A passionate advocate for sledge hockey, he uses the sport to unite his community. Learn about Chadd’s experience here.
  • Vancouver Canucks fan, Lincoln. Now in his third season with HEROS, Lincoln brings unmatched dedication to the ice and doesn’t let his autism spectrum disorder get in his way. Always first to arrive at the rink, his determination and enthusiasm shine through. See more about Lincoln’s experience here.
  • Edmonton Oilers fan, Aidan. Aidan, a 15-year-old living with Down syndrome and Apraxia, brings his all to Saturday hockey with HEROS, improving every week on and off the ice. Though largely non-verbal, he’s built strong connections with his mentors and teammates, taking immense pride in being a hockey player and cherishing his time at the rink. See more about Aidan’s experience here.
  • Calgary Flames fan, Daytin. Now in his sixth season with HEROS, 14-year-old Daytin has grown from a quiet, kind-hearted Grade 5 player into a natural leader. He helps younger teammates find their gear, get dressed, and make it onto the ice each week—always looking out for the one who needs extra support. See more about Daytin’s experience here.

Air Canada Fan Flight is just one of the ways the airline is continually giving back to the community and celebrating the passion of sports fans across North America.