The Gleaner
Huntingdon a finalist for Kraft Hockeyville
le lundi 19 mars 2018
Modifié à 14 h 42 min le 19 mars 2018
Huntingdon could receive a visit from some National Hockey League players and $250 000 to upgrade the Aréna Régionale de Huntingdon Centre Sportif Promutuel. The community of some 3000 people is one of four finalists in the Kraft Hockeyville competition.
Hockey is not just a passion for Huntingdon, it is a feature that unites the community. "The beauty of hockey here in Huntingdon is that half the young people are French speaking and the other half English speaking," said Daryl Ness, coach of the Huskies. "They have fun playing together. The difference in language has never been a problem."
But, the Aréna Régionale de Huntingdon is starting to show its age. Major repairs are being considered. "We have an aging arena that was built in the 50's," explained Érick Faubert, Chair of the Huntingdon Minor Hockey Association. "If we win, our priority will be to change the refrigeration system which is nearing the end of its operating life. It's the heart of the arena."
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Built in the 50's, the Aréna Régionale de Huntingdon Centre Sportif Promutuel needs an upgrade. (Photo Kraft Hockeyville)[/caption]
Heather L’Heureux, Chair of the Arena Management Committee, is frank: no ice, no hockey. And the children need this ice at the Centre Sportif Promutuel. "If we win, we'll be overjoyed," she announced. "We'll be so grateful."
A committed community
Already on social media, Huntingdon's nomination raised lots of enthusiasm. Numerous stories and anecdotes were recounted on the Kraft Hockeyville site as a show of support.
Huntingdon will be assigned an NHL player with roots in the region as an ambassador of the program. Nicolas Deslauriers of the Montreal Canadiens, who grew up in Saint-Anicet, would be a natural for this role.
"We were thrilled to receive so many strong nominations this year, choosing only four was especially challenging," declared Joanna Milroy, Director of Portfolio Marketing for Kraft Heinz.
Apart from Huntingdon, Lucan (Ontario), Lafleche (Saskatchewan) and High River (Alberta) are the other finalists.
The only other Quebec town to win the competition in the past 12 years was Roberval in 2012.
Vote for Kraft Hockeyville
The period for voting is between noon on March 30 until 8:30 p.m. on March 31. Voting takes place on line at www.krafthockeyville.ca.
The results will be announced on Hockey Night in Canada on CBC and Sportsnet, March 31.
The Kraft Hockeyville winner will receive $250 000 for arena upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
The three finalists will receive $25 000 for arena upgrades and all finalists will receive $10 000 in hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs, courtesy of the National Hockey League Players' Association as part of the players' Goals & Dreams fund.
Built in the 50's, the Aréna Régionale de Huntingdon Centre Sportif Promutuel needs an upgrade. (Photo Kraft Hockeyville)[/caption]
Heather L’Heureux, Chair of the Arena Management Committee, is frank: no ice, no hockey. And the children need this ice at the Centre Sportif Promutuel. "If we win, we'll be overjoyed," she announced. "We'll be so grateful."
A committed community
Already on social media, Huntingdon's nomination raised lots of enthusiasm. Numerous stories and anecdotes were recounted on the Kraft Hockeyville site as a show of support.
Huntingdon will be assigned an NHL player with roots in the region as an ambassador of the program. Nicolas Deslauriers of the Montreal Canadiens, who grew up in Saint-Anicet, would be a natural for this role.
"We were thrilled to receive so many strong nominations this year, choosing only four was especially challenging," declared Joanna Milroy, Director of Portfolio Marketing for Kraft Heinz.
Apart from Huntingdon, Lucan (Ontario), Lafleche (Saskatchewan) and High River (Alberta) are the other finalists.
The only other Quebec town to win the competition in the past 12 years was Roberval in 2012.
Vote for Kraft Hockeyville
The period for voting is between noon on March 30 until 8:30 p.m. on March 31. Voting takes place on line at www.krafthockeyville.ca.
The results will be announced on Hockey Night in Canada on CBC and Sportsnet, March 31.
The Kraft Hockeyville winner will receive $250 000 for arena upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
The three finalists will receive $25 000 for arena upgrades and all finalists will receive $10 000 in hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs, courtesy of the National Hockey League Players' Association as part of the players' Goals & Dreams fund.