Maple Ridge a finalist in Kraft Hockeyville competition
Posted March 12, 2023 3:56 pm.
Maple Ridge could become the host of Kraft Hockeyville 2023.
The city is the only one in B.C. to be a finalist for the event, which awards communities to upgrade their arenas and host an NHL preseason game.
Maple Ridge’s Planet Ice Arena is in the running to receive $250,000 from Kraft Hockeyville, a contest that has been running for 17 years.
Tonya Lynch, the director of sponsorship and engagement for Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey, says the prize money would go a long way to helping with various upgrades at the facility.
“If we were to win Kraft Hockeyville, we would use the money for inclusive dressing rooms, for accessibility. Our player benches aren’t accessible by wheelchair. We owe that to our community,” Lynch said.
The top four communities for #KraftHockeyville 2023 have been unveiled! ????
Congratulations to Maple Ridge, Ste. Anne, West Lorne, and Saint-Anselme.
Get ready to start voting on March 31st at 9:00AM ET. For more information head to https://t.co/XIDxVuZNoY | @hockeyville pic.twitter.com/YxVvWDxhXw
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 11, 2023
Kraft Heinz President Adam Butler says there have been thousands of entries.
“This year’s program has once again reinforced the important role passionate hockey communities play in both growing the game and making it more inclusive and accessible for all Canadians,” said Butler. “This year’s Top 4 finalists truly embody the heart and soul of hockey and now it’s up to Canada to vote for the winning community.”
The winner will be chosen through an online vote, which opens on March 31.
Maple Ridge is up against Ste. Anne in Manitoba, West Lorne in Ontario, and Saint-Anselme in Quebec.
The three runner-up communities will also get $10,000 worth of new hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs.
