Thanksgiving is a time for community, gratitude, and giving back. This year, Hockeybenders, a hockey media and clothing brand founded right here in Barrie, stepped up in a big way by donating nearly $1,000 worth of food to the Barrie Food Bank. Their generous contribution arrived just in time to support local families in need during the holiday season.
From Barrie High School to 3 Million Followers
Hockeybenders was founded by Cole Lequier, a Barrie native who started the brand at just 14 years old while attending high school. What began as a small idea quickly turned into a movement, built on humor, creativity, and love for the game. Today, Cole runs Hockeybenders alongside his partner, Aiden Dale, and together they’ve grown the company into a hockey powerhouse.
The brand has amassed over 3 million followers across social media platforms, creating content that is funny, relatable, and deeply rooted in hockey culture. Their viral videos brighten the days of players and fans alike, while their merch, including the now-famous “certified beauty” line—has become a staple at rinks across North America.
More Than Just Merch
For Cole, who grew up playing hockey, Hockeybenders was born from a vision to fill a gap in the market for hockey-focused clothing. But the mission has grown beyond gear. Hockeybenders is about spreading positivity, growing the sport, and making people smile through the content they share.
This past summer, the team completed a successful mall tour across Canada and is gearing up for another in the fall, with stops planned across the East Coast, Quebec, and British Columbia. Despite their national reach, the roots of Hockeybenders remain firmly planted in Barrie.
Giving Back at Home
That local connection inspired their Thanksgiving initiative. Wanting to make an impact close to home, Hockeybenders loaded up and donated a full truck of groceries—valued at nearly $1,000, to the Barrie Food Bank. The donation was warmly welcomed, helping stock shelves for families facing food insecurity this season.
“It’s about spreading love and positivity, not just online but in our community,” Cole shared. “Barrie is where it all started, so giving back here means a lot.”
A Shoutout to the Hockeybenders Boys
The Barrie Uncovered team joins the community in giving a huge shoutout to Cole, Aiden, and the entire Hockeybenders family for their generosity. Their success proves that chasing your passion can spark something bigger than yourself, and their Thanksgiving donation shows that success is even better when shared.
This Thanksgiving, Barrie is not only grateful for good food and family but also for local leaders like Hockeybenders who step up to make a difference.
