The US, and to a lesser extent Mexico, may have attracted most of the headlines, but Canada hosting the world’s biggest and most prestigious soccer tournament is transformative, pushing the sport forward like the 1994 World Cup did for the US. Soccer was by no means unknown in Canada before this summer, but things could really change now.

There will be more coverage of the domestic game, as well as the international teams, more Canadian players being touted for big-money moves to the elite leagues of Europe, and, yes, more coverage of soccer in all the best Canadian sportsbooks. MyTopSportsbooks is the place to find out about those sites, but this cannot be just a momentary spike in interest. The World Cup happening right here in Canada should be the start of something incredible for Canadian soccer.

World Cup Achievement

Canada had qualified for a World Cup finals before and even played in the last edition in 2022. But the 2026 World being played on home soil was different, and the squad recorded a number of firsts that can be built on over the coming years. A first-ever point was won in the opening game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and then there was the first-ever win with the thrashing of Qatar.

The loss to Switzerland was a blow, as it meant that Les Rouges would not play in Canada again. But they showed their talent in Los Angeles when they won a first-ever World Cup knockout game against South Africa. These are the types of achievements that could have created Canadian soccer fans for life.

Recent Times in Canadian Soccer

Although Canada qualified for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, there was no ongoing benefit or national transformation. The three defeats came and went, and the team was lowly ranked when FIFA first set up their system around the time of the 1994 World Cup. Things got even worse throughout the 2000s, with the team falling as low as 122^nd in the world at one point.

Poor performances, and the resulting drop in world rankings, was matched by the dysfunction of those governing the sport in Canada at the time. It has only been in the last decade or so that the team has improved, as well as the way the game is run in this country. Now, all aspects of Canadian soccer seem to be working together.

The National Teams Lead the Way

Domestic clubs are the lifeblood of soccer, but in a country where hockey will always be number one (even though soccer is the most participated-in sport), the performance of the national teams is all-important. The women’s team has won Olympic gold and is currently ranked ninth in the world, so it has been the men who have had some catching up to do.

The last four years have been the most impressive in Canadian men’s soccer history. Qualifying for the 2022 World Cup was massive, but there was also regional success, where the team reached the semifinals of the 2021 Gold Cup. Now the target must be winning the CONCACAF title and qualifying, once again, for the World Cup. Success at a national level will bring even more fans and investment to the sport.

CPL and NSL

When it comes to domestic soccer teams, most of the attention goes to those competing in Major League Soccer. Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver (for now) are the best teams in the country, and like the Canadian teams in other North American major leagues, they will attract the most fans.

But the launch of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) in 2019 is one of the most important things to happen to soccer in this country for a long time. Developing a purely national league is the best way to produce the stars of tomorrow and inspire children across Canada. Almost 90% of players at this year’s World Cup semifinals debuted in their home countries, and that is where the foundations for success are built.

The way the CPL and the Northern Super League (NSL) were so visible during this year’s World Cup is a good sign of how much bigger they can get in the years ahead. The NSL is the top-tier women’s soccer league in Canada and was launched only last year. But news of an expansion team for 2027 and higher visibility is a real positive for the sport here.

Develop the Culture and the Infrastructure

Although Canada may have more work to do than either of its co-hosts when it comes to soccer culture and support, it is not as if the country is starting from scratch. What is needed is that the soccer culture and infrastructure already present across the nation be developed and improved.

Further investment and coverage are needed now, off the back of a successful World Cup, to grow soccer yet further in Canada. More people tuned in to watch Les Rouges play Morocco than watched the opening game of the NHL season last year, so the demand is obviously there.

Now, those in charge of the game in Canada must capitalize on the goodwill and support that has grown in the last two months thanks to the World Cup. Hockey might always be most people’s go-to sport here, but the sky is the limit for soccer.

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The 2026 event will once again feature:

● A celebrity hockey game starring current and former NHL players and up and
comers.
● Youth ball hockey experiences where youth fundraise to participate. Top
youth fundraisers will be given an opportunity to participate in an element of
the celebrity hockey game alongside NHL players, hockey elite and alumni.
● Opportunities for adults to fundraise to play on or coach one of the teams.
● Special upgraded VIP experiences and sponsor activations.
● Fundraising in support of important local charitable causes.
Businesses, and individuals are encouraged to become sponsors, register to
fundraise to play or coach, play in the youth ball hockey experience and /or
purchase tickets. Every contribution helps strengthen healthcare, youth
programming, support for families with sick children and community services
throughout Muskoka.

Tickets go on sale on July 13, 2026, at 8 am. We look forward to creating
memories that extend well beyond the final buzzer.

Registration, sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and donation information are now
available through the official Hockey Night in Muskoka website:
https://hockeynightinmuskoka.akaraisin.com/ui/hnim2026

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The Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games, which are being held in Medicine Hat, Alberta from August 10-16, marks a huge milestone for many on the team as it will their first time taking a major trip.

“This will be my first time travelling this far,” said Jaxon Barton, who is one of the youngest athletes on the team. “It will also be my first time going on an airplane.” 

The Summer Games will be Barton’s first Nationals, an event that he is excited to be attending with his team.

“I find it cool because we get to go to different places, win different medals, and make different friends.” 

Barton said that his favourite parts of playing on the Almaguin team are the coaches and how the team is one big family.

For his mother, Danielle, seeing her son come out of his shell has been really special.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” she said. “His confidence has gone up a lot and he’s made lots of friends, which he struggled with before. They’ve taught him how to work like a team. They’re all just so great and it’s such a positive experience every time we go anywhere with them.” 

Putting Special Olympics On The Map For Parry Sound

For Rori Brownley, it’s not just making new friends or playing a new sport that he loves about being on the Almaguin softball team, it’s also being able to bring awareness about Special Olympics to his hometown.

“In a way, I kind of put Special Olympics on the map for Parry Sound because I’m going to the National Games,” Brownley said. “Before I joined Special Olympics, they didn’t really know Parry Sound other than Bobby Orr.”

Before joining the Almaguin team, Brownley had played baseball, bowling, snowshoeing, and even competed in track and field in Parry Sound. He joined the Almaguin softball team one week after the 2018 Summer Games, meaning this will be his first trip to Nationals.

“It’s exciting that I get to go to Medicine Hat with these guys,” Brownley said. “It’ll be my first National Games in any sport that I’ve competed in, and it will be my first time on a plane which will be fun.”

Brownley, who is currently the only Special Olympics athlete from Parry Sound, said that while he gets some support from his hometown community, he hopes one day it can be more. 

“I’m so glad for the support of the new community I’m with right now because they do a lot of fundraising,” Brownley said. “In Parry Sound, it’s kind of hard to do stuff like that. There’s always support from my teammates, friends and family, but I hope one day my community will be there for me like that too.” 

Brownley said that playing in Almaguin has taught him a lot, and that he has been able to form lifelong friendships with both his teammates and his coaches. 

A Story Of Never Giving Up

While this won’t be the first National Games for Clarista Ardiel, who brought home two gold medals  in Athletics at the 2018 Summer Games, this will be the first time she has gone for a team sport.

“I’ve always had a love for sports, and being part of Special Olympics has given me the chance to truly shine over the years,” Ardiel said. “I’ve been able to build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful relationships through my involvement.”

But Covid wasn’t good for Ardiel. Like many others, her mental health suffered during the strict isolation periods. This caused her to go back into her shell, something that she has since worked hard to once again come out of.

“Playing softball was what brought her back out of her shell,” said Christa Ardiel, Clarista’s mother. “We started to see her smile again, and she’s shown incredible resilience and determination in finding her way back into sports which she loves so much.” 

Christa said that being able to see her daughter smile again, even when battling through health issues, has been truly special.

“As a parent, it’s been amazing to watch Clarista grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Being selected to represent Almaguin Highlands at the National Games in Medicine Hat is a very proud moment for our family.”

Ardiel said that her hope is to be able to once again stand on the podium at the National Games, only this time with her team rather than alone.

Every Team Needs A Group Of Amazing Coaches

What really helped bring Ardiel out of her shell was her coaches. Her mother said that it is because of the wonderful group of volunteers that the team has been able to do what they have.

“Clarista absolutely adores all of her coaches. They are so kind and generous, volunteering their time and their energy to support our team.” 

Fraser Pauley, who is one of the coaches for the Almaguin softball team, says that the work that goes into running the team is well worth it.

“The time and effort, the training that we have to take, the courses we have to take, it’s all just a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of payback you get from just seeing them smile and feel like life is normal for them.” Pauley said.

Pauley said that being able to help normalize the worlds of his athletes is what makes his work with the team so meaningful.

“They get the chance to normalize their world, feel like a place of belonging. You know, something that they wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Special Olympics.” he said. “You see them dancing, laughing and carrying on. It just becomes their world, a safe place at that moment in time.”

Pauley said that for many on the team, being able to compete at the National Games is their version of winning the Stanley Cup or the World Series. 

“It’s a big thing for them. Representing Ontario at Nationals is a big honour, and for many it will be their first time away from home for this long. The independence that they gain from that, that they garner from that, you can’t replicate that.”

Pauley said that while they are a team, to everyone involved with the Almaguin softball team they feel more like a family. His challenge for everyone – to come witness the joy that the family atmosphere brings.

“Anytime you see anything we’re doing, just come out and get an opportunity to witness the athletes in their environment. It’s very cool.”

Anyone who would like to have the opportunity to meet the Almaguin softball team and watch them play before Nationals can come out to their game tonight (July 7). The game starts at 6:30pm, with an autograph session being held beforehand at 6:15pm. The game will be taking place at the Sundridge Ball Park, which is located at 14 Albert St N, Sundridge.

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The event, put on each year by Jackson Events at Rocky Crest Golf Club in MacTier, sees corporate groups and celebrities join forces to support great causes. This year sees 18 former NHL and MLB players, plus curling royalty and Olympian Rachel Homan, come together for the event.

“This event was born to bring something new and exciting to the Muskoka community,” the company said. “The concept was to play all 18 holes as par 3 so we created ‘The 54 Open Muskoka’. There are “closest to the pin” contests on all holes, and many holes have an opportunity to win a car, a boat, a hot tub or amazing prizing from our partners.”

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Wendel Clark, who has been working with Jackson Events for 25 years, said that this event is one that he looks forward to each year.

“I have played in hundreds of charity golf events over the years, but being able to enjoy the day in my own backyard here in Muskoka is amazing, and to have such a unique and exciting concept is really special,” Clark said. “I love supporting their programs, especially when raising an incredible amount of money for causes like Easter Seals Ontario.”

CEO Andrew Jackson, who lives full time in Muskoka, said that he wanted to have something unique in the Muskoka area that would showcase Rocky Crest Golf Course and the incredible resort there. 

“We host a VIP night for our guests down on the water with live music and incredible food,” Jackson said. “I call on many of the celebrities that we work closely with to attend, and they’re always here to help. Our partners and guests love coming up to Muskoka and are so very generous with their continued commitment and support of the causes we are happy to support.”

Celebrity guests this year include Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, Curtis Joseph, Rachel Homan, Gary Leeman, Earnie Whitt, Rod Black, and many more. 

To learn more about the 54 Open or Jackson Events, you can visit their website at https://www.jacksonevents.ca/

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Recognized as one of the premier events in watersports, the Masters annually brings together many of the top waterski and wakeboard athletes from around the world. Since its inception in 1959, the tournament has become a longstanding tradition held each Memorial Day weekend at the iconic Robin Lake venue.

Canada will be represented by 10 athletes competing across both the Masters and Junior Masters divisions.

Representing Canada in the 33rd Junior Masters Tournament is Enzo Kristian (Saskatoon, SK), who will compete in Junior Men’s Jump. This will mark Kristian’s first time skiing on Robin Lake.

In the professional Masters divisions, Charlie Ross and Cole McCormick, both with ties to Ontario, will compete in Men’s Slalom. Jaimee Bull (North Bay, ON) and Neilly Ross, who also has ties to Ontario, will represent Canada in Women’s Slalom.

Dorien Llewellyn, who has ties to Innisfail, Alberta, will compete in both Men’s Trick and Men’s Jump, alongside Ryan Dodd (Olds, AB) in Men’s Jump.

Canada will also be represented in Women’s Trick by Hannah Stopnicki (Montreal, QC), Neilly Ross, and Paige Pigozzi, who has ties to Ontario. This will be Stopnicki’s first appearance competing in the Open division at the Masters after previously winning multiple Junior Women’s Trick titles at the Junior Masters.

Kate Pinsonneault (Penticton, BC) will make her first appearance competing in the Open division at the Masters in Women’s Jump.

An invitation to compete at the Masters is considered one of the sport’s highest honours, with qualification reserved for athletes performing at the top of their disciplines. The tournament is sanctioned by the International Waterski & Wake Federation (IWWF), USA Water Ski & Wake Sports, and the World Wake Association (WWA).

Robin Lake at Callaway Gardens features covered stadium seating, a judges’ tower, media facilities, and beachside viewing areas, creating one of the most recognized venues in watersports. The event attracts thousands of spectators annually and receives extensive media coverage throughout North America and internationally.

Competition begins tomorrow, May 22, and continues through May 24, 2026.

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Carleton brings a strong blend of high-level playing experience and professional leadership to the Bears bench. A former Sudbury Wolves OHL draft pick, Carleton played over 100 Junior games across four organizations, giving him first hand knowledge of the development path for players looking to advance to Junior A, OHL, and beyond.

Off the ice, Carleton currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Township of Lake of Bays. His career in municipal leadership has been defined by team building, strategic planning, and community engagement — qualities the Bears organization believes will translate directly to a winning culture at Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.

“Geoff understands what it takes to play at the next level, and he understands Muskoka,” said *Joe Rockbrune, General Manager of the Bracebridge Bears*. “His experience as a player, plus his leadership as a CAO, makes him the right person to develop our players and build a program our community can be proud of. We’re thrilled to have him lead the Bears.”

“I’m honoured to join the Bears and coach in my own backyard,” said Carleton. “This is a great hockey community with passionate fans and dedicated young players. My focus will be on accountability, skill development, and making sure we represent Bracebridge the right way every time we step on the ice.”

Carleton will begin working with staff and players immediately.

Joe Rockbrune

General Manager, Muskoka Bears Jr C Hockey Team

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The pair were no strangers to this tournament, having made it to the quarterfinals of the B Flight at OFSAA for the last three years. After going undefeated for the fourth year in a row at both the MPS and GBSSA tournaments, Bird and Patel finally found themselves in the final of the A flight at OFSAA.

“MPS and GBSSA, I would say, was kind of expected,” Patel said. “But going to OFSAA and winning every game, it was like ‘oh my goodness, maybe we can win this.’” 

Patel said that being able to represent the Gyphons had been an honour, and to go undefeated made the end even more special.

“It probably means more to the school than it means to us,” Patel said. “It’s a great thing that our school finally won a gold, albeit badminton.”

For Bird, finally winning OFSAA with his long-time badminton partner was special.

“It felt good, especially being able to do it with Om as we’ve been playing together for almost 10 years. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well and we’ve got some good chemistry on the court, so it’s been a long time coming.” 

While the pair ended up winning in the end, their season was in jeopardy before it had even begun when Bird suffered a broken ankle which saw him in a cast and out of action for three months. 

“It definitely took a lot of physiotherapy and ice after games,” Bird said. “To be honest, I just credit the ankle brace.”

This win marked a historic moment for GHS as Bird and Patel are the first badminton team to win an OFSAA A Flight gold medal. Only two others have earned gold for GHS; the 1993 Boys Basketball team and wrestler Dan Wilson in 1982. 

GHS Badminton Coach Corry Ziörjen says that being able to end her 27 year teaching/coaching career with a win was extremely exciting.

“I feel so privileged to have been on this journey with Om and Cam for the past 3 years. I always appreciated the maturity of conversations we had, the golf, the basketball playoff discussions and the willingness to try new foods and saw new grit and determination from them this season. The boys really made sure that we all finished on top and I appreciate them for that.”

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