The 2026 Boots and Hearts Barn Burner charity hockey game raised a record-breaking $702,000 for local charities Wednesday night, organizers announced.
Held at a sold-out Sadlon Arena and hosted by Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall in partnership with the Boots and Hearts Music Festival, the annual fundraiser surpassed last year's total and set a new benchmark for the event.
Funds raised will support several local organizations, including the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Foundation, The John Tavares Foundation, PIE Education, local Rotary clubs, Easter Seals, and other community initiatives.
"Tonight was about so much more than hockey; it was about a community coming together to make a difference," said Chair and Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall. "Every sponsor, player, volunteer, and fan played a part in making this our most successful Barn Burner yet. Thank you for believing in this event and, most importantly, in the local charities and families who will benefit from it."
The event featured a lineup of current and former NHL and PWHL players, along with community guests. Live music and fan-focused entertainment were also part of the evening's festivities.
Organizers say the Barn Burner continues to grow as one of the region's signature fundraising events. Since launching, the initiative has raised more than $4 million for local causes.
The annual charity game is held as part of the larger Boots and Hearts celebration and brings together athletes, sponsors, volunteers and community members in support of organizations across Simcoe County and beyond.
