The Winnipeg Blizzard, supported by NLL UnBOXed™, the Manitoba Lacrosse Association, and the Greater Winnipeg Lacrosse League, is proud to launch the 2026 Winnipeg Blizzard Frozen Fest, a youth development event built for the next generation of lacrosse players.
Spearheaded by the Winnipeg Blizzard, Frozen Fest is more than a one-day showcase. It reflects a connected pathway within the game, linking developing players to the systems, competition, and standards that exist at higher levels.
The Manitoba Lacrosse Association continues to guide that growth, while the Greater Winnipeg Lacrosse League provides the competitive foundation within the local community.
That pathway comes to life at Frozen Fest, where athletes from U11 to U17 will take part in a full day of clinics, scrimmages, and skill-based competitions. The focus is on challenging players, raising the level of play, and sharpening their skill set.
“Partnering with the National Lacrosse League to bring Frozen Fest to life is truly a special moment for the Winnipeg Blizzard organization and our lacrosse community,” said Terry Williams, Owner & President of the Winnipeg Blizzard. “This isn’t just a one-day event, it’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of players, create lasting memories, and showcase the energy and passion that makes this game so unique. The Blizzard are proud to deliver something that will leave a lasting impact on every player and volunteer.”
Helping lead that experience is special guest Luc Magnan of the Ottawa Black Bears, who will be on the floor throughout the day working directly with participants. For these athletes, it’s an opportunity to learn from a professional, experience the pace and decision-making of the NLL game up close, and apply those details directly to their own development.
“NLL UnBOXed™ was created to help open the door for more kids to experience lacrosse while building stronger connections between youth players and the highest levels of the game,” said Dennis Bruzzi, Manager of Grassroots Operations at the National Lacrosse League. “The Blizzard have done an incredible job bringing together the lacrosse community to create an environment where athletes can learn, compete, and truly see where the sport can take them. We’re proud to be a part of that effort and help support the continued growth of the game in Manitoba.”
Off the floor, the experience continues. NLL UnBOXed™ and the Blizzard will provide every participant with an exclusive National Lacrosse League and Blizzard gift bundle, with additional prizing from the NLL, Warrior Lacrosse, and STX layered throughout the day.
What sets Frozen Fest apart is its direct connection to the Blizzard game-day experience. Standout participants will have the opportunity to win a Blizzard jersey and take part in a ceremonial faceoff before the game. Two teams will also be selected to compete in a halftime scrimmage, turning development into a true spotlight moment.
“Events like Frozen Fest are a big step forward for lacrosse in Manitoba,” said Serge Balcaen, Executive Director of the Manitoba Lacrosse Association. “Bringing the community together while giving young players the chance to see and learn from current NLL athletes is incredibly impactful. It not only shows them what’s possible, but helps connect our grassroots players to the higher levels of the game. Working alongside the Winnipeg Blizzard, the NLL, and the GWLL, this is another important step in continuing to build a strong, connected pathway for lacrosse in our province.”
The timing adds even greater significance. In 2026, the Winnipeg Blizzard enter their inaugural season at the Canadian Junior A level, competing for the historic Minto Cup. It marks a new chapter for the game locally, and Frozen Fest stands as both a reflection of that progress and an investment in the players working to reach that level.
At the same time, the event provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of lacrosse in Winnipeg. The sport dates back to 1871, when the first club was formed, and by the late 1800s had become one of the city’s most popular pastimes, drawing thousands of spectators and growing into a source of community pride as it spread across Manitoba.
Blending high-level development with real game-day opportunity, the 2026 Winnipeg Blizzard Frozen Fest is positioned to become a cornerstone event for lacrosse in the city, bringing together players, families, and the broader community in a way that feels both competitive and connected.
For more information or to sign up, please email [email protected]
——
As part of a growing national movement, NLL UnBOXed™ has now supported or facilitated events in 8 of its 22 active communities, with plans to expand further throughout the 2026–27 season, continuing to strengthen the player pathway across North America.
