Coach Santa’s Mission of Kindness: Growing Stronger in December!

This hockey season, Hockey Calgary partnered with the 10-20-30 Project to present Coach Santa’s Mission of Kindness, a unique pilot program designed to teach young players the values of kindness, teamwork, and community through the joy of sport. As we move deeper into December, it’s amazing to see how this program has grown into something truly special, sparking excitement and recognition throughout Calgary’s hockey community.

Looking Back at November:

?? 32 rink visits

??71 teams received a bench or dressing room pep talk across U7, U9, U11, and U15 levels

?? Over 1,000 one-on-one interactions with players, siblings, and families

? 2,700+ “Caught You Being Nice” trading cards distributed

From the start, this program was envisioned as more than hockey—it’s about fostering life lessons and building stronger communities. Watching players embrace the Mission of Kindness, cheer for one another, and take pride in their role has been inspiring. The involvement of U15 teams as Elves has been a highlight, showcasing the powerful mentorship role older players can provide while reinforcing the program’s values.

December Momentum and Recognition

As we walk into arenas across Calgary, it’s clear the Mission of Kindness is making its mark. Players, families, and coaches know what we’re doing, and the support from Coaches, Managers, parents, and older teams has been unbelievable. More teams than ever are expressing interest, and the recognition of the program is growing every day.

Because this is a pilot program, we’ve already had the opportunity to test some exciting ideas and brainstorm new ones for the next generation of Coach Santa and the Mission of Kindness. This isn’t just about today—it’s a delivery platform for the 10-20-30 Project, specifically designed to connect kids under 10 to values that will last a lifetime.

What is Coach Santa’s Mission of Kindness?

Coach Santa’s Mission of Kindness is a unique and heartfelt initiative brought to life through Hockey Calgary’s partnership with Coach Santa. Designed as a fun and interactive program, it uses weekly videos, personalized rink visits, and “Caught You Being Nice” trading cards to teach young players important values such as teamwork, perseverance, active listening, and kindness.

This program goes beyond the game of hockey, leaving lasting impressions both on and off the ice. It creates personal connections, reinforces positive behaviors, and inspires players to spread kindness throughout their teams, families, and communities.

How the Program Works

1. Weekly Videos Each week, coaches and managers receive a link to a new video and are asked to share it with their teams’ parents and players. These short, engaging videos introduce a weekly theme that aligns with Hockey Calgary’s values for young athletes, such as teamwork, resilience, and respect. Watch the Video HERE
2. Team Visits Coach Santa meets with teams at the rink, either on the bench or in their dressing rooms, for a quick but impactful session: Introduction to the Mission: Coach Santa explains who he is, why he’s partnering with Hockey Calgary, and how players can join his Mission of Kindness this holiday season. Key Messages: Players learn the most important rule at the North Pole: HAVE FUN, which ties into Hockey Calgary’s age-appropriate values. Santa discusses the week’s theme, like teamwork or perseverance, and how it applies to their hockey journey. Team Chant and Gratitude: Each visit ends with a fun North Pole chant—“All for One, All for FUN!”—and a reminder for players to thank their coaches for being awesome.
3. 1-on-1 Interactions During each visit, Coach Santa also spends time with players individually, providing a personal and memorable experience: Personal Connection: Santa invites each player to join his Mission of Kindness and asks what kindness means to them. Weekly Theme: He reinforces the week’s theme, encouraging players to embrace the value in their daily lives, both on and off the ice. Call to Action: Players are challenged to perform a random act of kindness to contribute to the mission. Recognition: Each player receives a pair of “Caught You Being Nice” trading cards as a reward for their commitment to kindness. Santa often poses for a photo with the player, creating a keepsake for the family and a cherished memory for the child.

Why This Matters

Coach Santa’s Mission of Kindness isn’t just about spreading holiday cheer—it’s about instilling values that will serve young players for a lifetime. By combining fun, meaningful interactions with themes that resonate, the program creates a sense of belonging, teamwork, and joy for every participant. It teaches kids that being a great teammate is about more than scoring goals—it’s about how they treat others, support their team, and engage with their community.

This program is truly a delivery platform for Hockey Calgary’s commitment to developing not just skilled players, but kind and resilient individuals who carry these lessons far beyond the rink.

Looking Ahead

With December in full swing, we’re continuing to spread kindness with new themes, visits, and opportunities for more teams to participate. This program is built on the collective energy and passion of Calgary’s hockey community, and it’s your support that’s making this season unforgettable.

Let’s keep the momentum going! For more about Coach Santa’s Mission of Kindness, visit https://www.hockeycalgary.ca/programs/coach-santa and share your moments with: #CoachSanta #MissionOfKindness #HockeyCalgaryCoachSanta #KindnessInHockey

Here’s to making this the most joyful, impactful hockey season yet! ????