Kraft Hockeyville: Celebrating Community Spirit in Hockey
Kraft Hockeyville is an annual competition that began in 2006, celebrating Canadian communities' passion for hockey. Sponsored by Kraft Heinz in partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, it highlights how integral hockey is to Canadian culture. Communities across Canada—and later, the United States—compete for arena upgrade funding and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game. The competition has not only improved infrastructure but has also brought NHL action to local arenas, creating lasting memories. With millions of dollars awarded since its inception, Kraft Hockeyville has inspired civic pride, connected fans with the NHL, and underscored hockey's grassroots importance. Below is a detailed timeline from 2006 to 2024, outlining each year's winner and their achievements.
2006
In 2006, Salmon River, Nova Scotia, became the inaugural Kraft Hockeyville champion. The community showcased its passion through a compelling story centered on the Deuville Rink. The $100,000 prize was used to upgrade the rink, though the NHL pre-season game was held in nearby Truro. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 7–3, igniting local hockey enthusiasm.
2007
North Bay, Ontario, won in 2007 with a campaign emphasizing their rich hockey history. The $100,000 prize funded improvements to Memorial Gardens. On September 17, 2007, the arena hosted an NHL pre-season game between the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers, creating a momentous occasion for local fans.
2008
Roberval, Quebec, claimed the title in 2008. The town's Roberval Arena received $100,000 for upgrades. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3–2 in a thrilling pre-season game held at the arena, making it a historic event for the community.
2009
Terrace, British Columbia, earned the title in 2009. The community used its $100,000 prize to enhance the Terrace Sportsplex. The Vancouver Canucks faced the New York Islanders in an NHL pre-season game, creating an unforgettable experience for the town.
2010
Dundas, Ontario, became the 2010 champion. The J.L. Grightmire Arena was renovated with the $100,000 prize. The NHL pre-season game saw the Buffalo Sabres triumph over the Ottawa Senators, delighting local fans.
2011
Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador, won in 2011. The community improved its arena with the $100,000 prize and hosted a memorable NHL pre-season game featuring the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators.
2012
Westlock, Alberta, took the title in 2012. The community's passion for hockey earned $100,000 for their arena upgrades. They hosted an NHL pre-season game featuring the Calgary Flames and New York Islanders.
2013
In 2013, Stirling-Rawdon, Ontario, won the title. The $100,000 prize improved the Stirling Arena, and the community enjoyed an NHL pre-season game between the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets.
2014
Sylvan Lake, Alberta, claimed victory in 2014. The $100,000 prize funded improvements to the community arena, and they hosted an NHL pre-season game featuring the Calgary Flames and Arizona Coyotes.
2015
Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was the first U.S. community to win. The $150,000 prize was used to upgrade the Cambria County War Memorial Arena. They hosted an NHL pre-season game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning.
2016
In 2016, Lumby, British Columbia, earned the title. Their arena received $100,000 in upgrades. The Edmonton Oilers faced the Los Angeles Kings in a pre-season game, thrilling local fans.
2017
O'Leary, Prince Edward Island, won in 2017. The $100,000 prize was used to enhance the O’Leary Community Sports Centre. The NHL pre-season game featured the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators.
2018
Luseland, Saskatchewan, became the 2018 champion. Their $100,000 prize went toward arena upgrades, and they hosted an NHL pre-season game featuring the Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames.
2019
Renous, New Brunswick, won in 2019. The $250,000 prize improved their arena, and they hosted an NHL pre-season game with the Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers.
2020
Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador, claimed the title during a challenging year marked by the pandemic. They received $250,000 for arena upgrades but did not host an NHL game due to COVID-19 restrictions.
2021
Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick, became the first Indigenous community to win. They received $250,000 to upgrade their arena and hosted a game between the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders.
2022
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, won in 2022. The community received $250,000 for arena improvements and hosted a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.
2023
West Lorne, Ontario, was crowned champion in 2023. They used the $250,000 prize to revitalize their arena and hosted an NHL pre-season game featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.
2024
Elliot Lake, Ontario, earned the title in 2024. The $250,000 prize upgraded their local arena, and they hosted an NHL pre-season game between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins, marking another proud moment in Kraft Hockeyville history.