Four communities across Canada are currently in the running to be named the newest Hockeyville winner. Enderby, British Columbia; Cochrane, Alberta; Wolseley, Saskatchewan; and Elliot Lake, Ontario are all vying for the title. The winner of the contest will receive $250,000 in arena upgrades, $10,000 in youth hockey equipment, and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game in their community. Efforts are underway to push Enderby into the top spot, with Mayor Victor Cumming of nearby Vernon urging the Okanagan community to vote for Enderby and help make their Hockeyville dream a reality.
Former NHL goaltender Kirk McLean and the Vancouver Canucks’ mascot, Fin, recently visited Enderby to film a clip in support of the town’s Hockeyville campaign. The clip will be aired during a Vancouver Canucks game, showcasing the team’s support for Enderby’s bid to win the contest. While all four communities have valid reasons why they should win, both Enderby and Elliot Lake are facing challenges due to the closure of their arenas. In Enderby, a refrigeration system failure led to the closure of the rink in January, impacting the entire community and surrounding region. Elliot Lake’s 55-year-old rink closed last September due to structural issues, leaving residents without a key community hub for activities like hockey and public skating.
The voting period for Kraft’s annual Hockeyville contest will take place from Friday, March 29 at 6 a.m. to Saturday, March 30 at 2 p.m. The winner will be announced on Saturday evening, with all communities mobilizing their residents to support their bid for the title. In Enderby’s case, the closure of the arena has had a significant impact on the community, leading to the shutdown of various programs and activities. The support of neighboring communities like Vernon, as well as the Vancouver Canucks’ involvement in Enderby’s campaign, highlights the importance of hockey and community spirit in Canada’s identity.
The Hockeyville contest not only offers financial support for arena upgrades and equipment but also provides a unique opportunity for the winning community to host an NHL pre-season game. This incentive has driven communities across the country to participate and rally for public support. The involvement of NHL alumni like Kirk McLean and popular teams like the Vancouver Canucks adds a special touch to the campaign, showcasing the wider hockey community’s support for grassroots initiatives. Enderby’s dedication to hockey and community spirit has resonated with many, prompting calls for votes to help the small Okanagan community win the prestigious title.
As the contest comes to a close, the anticipation grows among the four competing communities, with Enderby, Cochrane, Wolseley, and Elliot Lake all hoping to emerge as the Hockeyville winner. The impact of winning the contest goes beyond the financial prizes, as it symbolizes a celebration of hockey culture and community resilience. With Enderby and Elliot Lake facing challenges due to the closure of their arenas, the support garnered from the contest can be a game-changer for these communities. The competition not only highlights the importance of hockey in Canadian communities but also reinforces the spirit of unity and collaboration in rallying for a common goal like winning the Hockeyville title.
