The Southwest Ontario Brewers have officially relocated to York Region and rebranded as the York Yeti.
The move is led by new owner Cody Hodgson, a former NHL player and York Region native, who is bringing the franchise back to the community where his athletic journey began. He is joined in ownership by retired NHL alumnus T.J. Brodie and Bret Shepley.
Coming Home
Hodgson grew up in York Region, spending his formative years in local minor hockey programs before advancing to a professional career in the NHL. His return as a franchise owner represents a full-circle moment—driven by a desire to reconnect with his roots, reinvest in his hometown, and elevate a region with a strong culture of recreation, growth, and community engagement.
A Perfect Fit
York Region offers far more than hometown sentiment. The area has emerged as a thriving hub for pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in North America.
Its diverse population, family-oriented communities, and rapidly expanding sport and recreation facilities make it an ideal home for the franchise. The Yeti brand—symbolizing strength, resilience, and northern identity—reflects the spirit the team aims to bring to the league.
A Facility Built for Community and Corporate Impact
The team's new home will serve as both a high-performance venue and a multifunctional community asset, hosting:
- Professional tournaments: CNPL matches and other elite competitions
- Youth programming: Development clinics and training sessions
- Regional competitions: Amateur tournaments and local events
- Corporate functions: Team-building sessions and business events
This broad role underscores the organization's mission to make the York Yeti a central hub for sport, entertainment, and community connection across the region.
Community-Focused Programming
Beyond competition, the franchise will launch a wide range of community initiatives, including school partnerships, recreational collaborations, and public engagement events.
The goal is to encourage participation at all ages and skill levels, supporting the continued rise of pickleball throughout York Region.
About the York Yeti
The York Yeti is a professional pickleball team competing in the CNPL, dedicated to high-performance sport, community development, and accessible programming.
The Yeti will serve York Region as both a competitive franchise and a dynamic community resource.