Designed to ignite and reflect local communities' passion for the game of hockey, Kraft Hockeyville is immensely popular with Canadians. Since 2006, more than 2,000 communities have entered the competition producing more than 22,000 submissions and 30 million votes. In response, the Kraft Hockeyville, partners have expanded the number of finalists communities from 10-15, making everybody's chances of winning a little better.
To enter your respective arena into the Kraft Hockeyville sweepstakes, Canadian register online at krafthockeyville.ca., complete a simple application form to nominate the community and submit a small essay as well as pictures for the judges decision.
Also available to be won, says Lindsey Rogers, associate consumer promotions manager Kraft Hockeyville, is an NHL preseason game next fall as well as the $100,000 which will be used to make upgrades at the arena that wins the Kraft Hockeyville contest.
As a bonus, says Rogers, is that arenas finishing second, third, fourth and fifth, win $25,000 for upgrades to their arena.
The Gallagher Centre's Farrell Agencies Arena has already qualified for the top prize, Rogers told Yorkton This Week.
According to Rogers, winning the contest would mean beating out at least 67 other skating centres across the country.
"We've had 68 nominations so far, which is amazing," she said. "And Farrell Agencies Arena is up for the prize."
As previously noted in Yorkton This Week, there was also an early-bird prize of $10,000 available.
Rogers said that the early bird contest is now closed.
The decision for 2012 Kraft Hockeyville will be decided by four different parties, Rogers said. Kraft Canada, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the National Hockey League, and the National Hockey League Players Association
They said they will announce the top five communities on March 17, 2012.
"Arenas are the social hubs of communities that bring family and friends together to celebrate their love of hockey," said Dino Bianco, president, Kraft Canada.
Interested communities are encouraged to visit krafthockeyville.ca to find out more information, or look for them on Facebook, follow @hockeyville on Twitter, and visit nhl.com and cbcsports.com for news, updates and photos.
The final date for communities to nominate their arenas is on Jan. 31, adds Rogers.
Other local arenas up for nomination are the Springside Skating Centre and Bredenbury Arena.
