Kraft Heinz Hockeyville is celebrating 15 years of supporting hockey communities across the country.
Nominations are now being accepted for Kraft Hockeyville 2021.
The deadline to submit your story is February 14.
The program has a legacy of breaking down barriers and encouraging participation in Canada’s beloved sport by upgrading local hockey arenas in need of repair and refurbishing.
The Township of Lucan, Ontario won the competition in 2018.
Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson says “I really would encourage small communities, like Dryden, to think about their story and the importance of community and what hockey means to you and put that story to paper.”
She adds “Tell your story because that’s what Canadians want to hear when they think of Kraft Hockeyville and the Hockeyville program. They want to know why hockey’s important to you and why its made a difference to your family. Register, nominate your community and build from there.”
Burghardt-Jesson stresses this is an important program for small communities.
“Municipalities, the only form of income they have are their property taxes. And to raise taxes for a major renovation to an Arena or Community Centre, the folks in Dryden would know, that’s a difficult thing for Municipal leaders to do.”
She also reflects back on winning the competition three years ago.
“From a community standpoint. Going through the Hockeyville program brought new and old families together, young and old residents together. You look back through various pictures and videos of that time. You see relationships being made, embracing, laughs, all sorts of things. That’s what you want for a community.”
The grand prize winner will have an opportunity to host an NHL preseason game and receive $250,000 for arena upgrades.
Three-runner up communities will get $10,000 to purchase new hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs.
To submit a nomination visit the Kraft Hockey Ville website.
To hear more from Lucan Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson visit the Audio link below.
