The View Askew Street Hockey League (VASHL) is a one-of-a-kind amateur street hockey league inspired by the worlds of filmmaker Kevin Smith and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. Consisting of eleven
active member clubs, the league brings together passionate players and fans for an unforgettable experience of competition, camaraderie, and pure street hockey action—united across continents.
VASHL Founder – Kevin Smith
Each year, teams battle for glory in the Walter Gretzky Cup, awarded at the prestigious Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. While the VASHL is rooted in Canada, its players come from far and wide, with competitors traveling from around the world to take part. From England to Australia, VASHL’s influence extends beyond North America, proving that its love for street hockey and View Askew nostalgia has no borders.
Origins of the League
VASHL was born in March 2009, when Kevin Smith, an ardent hockey fan and creator of the View Askewniverse, rallied his community to take part in the tournament. What started with four teams quickly expanded, evolving into the dedicated league it is today.
All teams within VASHL pay homage to Smith’s View Askewniverse, a fictional world featured across multiple films and works. If you’re a fan of Jay and Silent Bob, the league will feel like home—whether you’re from Brantford, Bristol, Brisbane, or beyond.
How It All Began
In late 2008, Kevin Smith found himself drawn to the career of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky. Inspired by the story of the Great One, Smith took an interest in the annual Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament—an event hosted in honor of Wayne’s father.
Determined to make an impact, Smith reached out to his fans through his message board on March 17, 2009, with an enticing offer:
“Christmas comes early: I will sponsor any board teams. You pick your players, your names, your jerseys, I’ll pay your entrance fee.”
Fans answered the call, forming teams and joining Smith in Brantford to compete, connect, and celebrate their shared love of street hockey. From that moment, VASHL took shape and has continued to grow—drawing players from all over the world and cementing itself as a league like no other.
Hockey with Heart
Beyond the game, the tournament also carries a strong charitable mission. After the passing of Phyllis Gretzky, the Gretzky family partnered with the Ontario Lung Association to raise funds for lung research. Since 2012, the tournament has been hosted in partnership with the Lung Association, raising significant contributions to support vital research and advocacy efforts.
The Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Tournament isn’t just about competition—it’s about community, celebration, and making a difference. And VASHL is honored to be part of its ongoing legacy—bringing together players from around the world in the name of hockey, fandom, and friendship.
