The Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre has been shortlisted to compete for the title of Kraft Hockeyville 2020.
On Sunday, Aug. 2, Kraft Heinz Canada, in partnership with the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), announced the top four Canadian communities that are competing for the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2020. This year’s shortlisted communities are, from west to east, Pense, Saskatchewan (Pense Memorial Rink); Saint-Félicien, Québec (Recreation Center Marianne St-Gelais); Tyne Valley (Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre); Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador (George Hawkins Memorial Arena).
The program received a record number of nominations from hockey communities across the country, which submitted compelling stories about their love for the game and the importance of their arena to the community.
“This year we received some of the most memorable and passionate stories on record,” said Matt Bruce, senior brand manager, Kraft Heinz Canada.
“After a very difficult deliberation and an unexpected delay brought on by COVID-19, we are pleased to announce the top four finalists and look forward to once again seeing the incredible support of Canadians as they rally behind the remaining communities.”
The top four finalists are now one step closer to the grand prize after being selected based on their unique nomination stories and their ability to score additional rally points by engaging their communities.
To determine the winner of Kraft Hockeyville 2020, Canadian residents, 13 and older, can vote for their favourite community online at krafthockeyville.ca. Voting opens at 9 a.m. ET on Aug. 14 and closes at 6 p.m. ET on Aug. 15. Votes can only be cast on the website, krafthockeyville.ca during the voting phase and voting is unlimited. The final announcement will take place later that evening on Hockey Night in Canada on Sportsnet and CBC.
The Kraft Hockeyville 2020 grand prize winner will have an opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game and receive $250,000 for arena upgrades. The remaining community finalists will also be awarded $25,000 each for arena upgrades and all four of the finalists will receive $10,000 to purchase brand new hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs, courtesy of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund.
The top four communities are now tasked with rallying their communities and Canadians from across the country. However, the health and safety of participants and their communities is top priority.
Kraft Hockeyville reminds Canadians to continue to adhere to all COVID-19 health and safety protocols that may be required or recommended by federal, state, provincial or local authorities in their respective jurisdictions, which may include social distancing guidelines, limitations on large gatherings and mask wearing.
Instead of coming together in large groups, communities are encouraged to take their rallying virtual by decorating windows and front lawns with Kraft Hockeyville decorations and share pictures on social media using #KraftHockeyville and organizing a virtual-vote-a-thon in partnership with local media personalities, coaches or community leaders.
For complete contest rules and programs details, and to learn more about the top four finalists, including their stories, photos and videos, visit krafthockeyville.ca.
The Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre was destroyed by fire in late December.
Federal and provincial funding was recently announced for a new Tyne Valley Events Centre, and the money from Hockeyville will support the local community’s share of fundraising.
