On March 26, CFB Borden came alive as members of the community filled the Andy Anderson Arena for an unforgettable Hockey Night at Borden. Featuring the Maple Leafs Alumni facing off against Team Borden, the event showcased hockey spirit and community connection. From behind-the-scenes experiences to on-ice action, the day and evening delivered excitement from start to finish.
This marked the third consecutive year the Maple Leafs Alumni have supported Defence community events, following games at CFB Kingston in 2024 and 8 Wing Trenton in 2025. Each year, the Alumni have very generously donated $20,000 to the Supports Our Troops (SOT) initiative. This year, the donation will help support local military families by helping children attend summer camps and by assisting with the purchase of equipment for summer camp programming.
To start off the afternoon, the Maple Leafs Alumni were welcomed to CFB Borden for a unique military experience at the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) School. Players had the opportunity to see military vehicles up close, including tanks and other equipment, gaining insight into the training environment and capabilities of CAF members.
The festivities continued at the Borden Military Museum, where people gathered for a special autograph session with the Maple Leafs Alumni. For many attendees, the meet-and-greet offered a memorable opportunity to interact with admirable players.
In the evening, crowds streamed into the Andy Anderson Arena, quickly filling the stands. The energy and anticipation in the arena grew as both teams took to the ice for pregame warmups, leading into opening ceremonies that recognized the visiting Alumni and the military members who play such an important role in the Defence community.
At 1915 hrs, the puck dropped, leading into a lively game that kept the crowd engaged the entire time. Both teams delivered fast-paced play marked by skill and sportsmanship. The Maple Leafs Alumni showcased their experience and signature skill, while Team Borden played with a level of determination and pride that represented the base well. The game concluded with a final score of 12-4 victory for the Leafs Alumni.
As the night came to an end and attendees headed home with smiles, photos, and autographs in hand, the game proved to be about much more than the final score. It was an evening centred around connection and shared community pride. CFB Borden extends its sincere thanks to the Maple Leafs Alumni for their generosity, their time, and their continued support of Defence communities. Their involvement once again helped create an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended.
