In 2026, the annual competition between community ice rinks across Canada will mark its 20th anniversary, offering $250,000 in upgrades to the top winner.
To celebrate, organizers announced a total of $1 million in cash prizes.
Each province and territory will select a winner to receive $50,000 and move on to the final round for the grand prize.
The champion rink will not only get the upgrades but also host a National Hockey League (NHL) pre-season game, while the runner-up will take home $100,000.
Residents and supporters can vote for Kraft Hockeyville by logging onto the contest’s website and sharing a story about their town’s love for hockey, worth ten points; photos of the community enjoying the rink’s amenities, worth three points; and rallying cries of support, worth one point.
In 2026, former NHL goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and hockey media personality Paul “Biznasty” Bissonnette will serve as program ambassadors, promoting local rink revitalization and inspiring the next generation of hockey fans.
Nominations are due Sunday, March 1st, with judging from March 2nd to 14th, followed by the announcement of provincial and territorial winners.
The top two facilities will be revealed on Saturday, March 21st, with online voting in early April and the winner announced on Saturday, April 4th. The competition, first held in 2006, was launched by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
-with files by Ed Hitchins, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Energeticcity.ca
Add comment
Comments