Canada’s newest Hockeyville winner will be announced in three days, and the four communities in the running are pushing for public support. Enderby, British Columbia, is competing against Cochrane, Alberta; Wolseley, Saskatchewan; and Elliot Lake, Ontario. The mayor of Vernon has expressed full support for Enderby and encouraged the Okanagan communities to vote for them. The winner of Kraft’s Hockeyville contest will receive $250,000 in arena upgrades, $10,000 in youth hockey equipment, and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
Voting for the winner of the Hockeyville contest will take place over the weekend, starting on Friday, March 29, and ending on Saturday, March 30. Former NHL goaltender Kirk McLean and the Vancouver Canucks’ mascot, Fin, visited Enderby to film a clip in support of the campaign. The Vancouver Canucks expressed their pride in helping out small communities like Enderby and emphasized the importance of supporting local arenas. Both Enderby and Elliot Lake do not have operating arenas, with Enderby’s rink closing in January due to a refrigeration system failure and Elliot Lake’s rink closing in September due to structural issues.
The closure of Enderby’s arena has had a devastating impact on the community, as the arena is home to various hockey programs, public skating, fitness programs, and other activities. The Enderby Curling Rink, which shares the same refrigeration plant, has also been shut down. The Vancouver Canucks’ support for Enderby’s Hockeyville campaign will be showcased during a home game against Dallas. All four communities in the running have legitimate reasons for why they should win, but Enderby and Elliot Lake’s lack of functioning arenas highlight the urgent need for support and upgrades.
The Kraft Hockeyville contest is an annual event that aims to support local hockey communities by providing funding for arena upgrades and hockey equipment. This year’s winner will not only receive financial support but also the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game. The dedication to hockey and community spirit in Enderby embodies the essence of Canadian identity, leading to widespread support from surrounding communities. More information about Kraft Hockeyville, including how to vote, is available online. The outcome of the contest will be announced on Saturday evening, with Enderby, Cochrane, Wolseley, and Elliot Lake eagerly awaiting the results.
