KJ Mullins-Toronto: Today the Markham Village Community Centre hosted an event for the Markham Minor Hockey Association celebrating hockey with sport stars, vendors and more.

The two day event took place Friday and Saturday with free admission. With an equipment swap, floorball tournament and local hockey stars on hand to give autographs Markham’s young players were able to get ready for the coming hockey season.

The event is part of the Yes, You Can Play! Program that makes sure that every child in Markham who wants to play hockey has the chance to take part in Canada’s game.

Hockey is an expensive sport and for families that are struggling to make ends meet without events like the one today their kids often only experience hockey by watching practises off the ice.

Markham is proud of its rink alumni, some of the top NHL players of today. Past Markman Waxers including Michael Del Zotto, Brandon Gaunce, Cameron Gaunce, Cody Hodgson and Steven Stamkos was at the community centre to sign autographs and show the kids that hockey stardom just may be within their reach.

The Food Cabbie was also in the parking lot providing some of the best food truck delights to hungry hockey players. The Burger Broads showed up to check them out. Look at the Burger Broads site in the near future to see a review of the event!