Kraft Hockeyville Announces Canada’s 2020 Top 4 Community Finalists
The communities are in the running for the opportunity to host an NHL® game and $250,000 in arena upgrades
TORONTO, August 2, 2020 – Today, Kraft Heinz Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), announced the Top 4 Canadian communities that are competing for the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2020. This year’s shortlisted communities are (West to East):
- Pense, Saskatchewan (Pense Memorial Rink)
- Saint-Félicien, Québec (Recreation Center Marianne St-Gelais)
- Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island (Tyne Valley Community Sports Centre)
- Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador (George Hawkins Memorial Arena)
The program received a record number of nominations from passionate 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 4 finalists and look forward to once again seeing the incredible support of Canadians as they rally behind the remaining communities.”
The Top 4 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.
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 4 communities are now tasked with rallying their communities and Canadians from across the country. However, the health and safety of our participants and their communities is our 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:
- Decking out windows and front lawns with Kraft Hockeyville decorations and sharing pictures on social media using #KraftHockeyville
- Organizing a virtual-vote-a-thon in partnership with local media personalities, coaches, or community leaders
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 9:00 a.m. ET on August 14th and closes at 6:00 p.m. ET on August 15th. 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.
For complete contest rules and programs details, and to learn more about the Top 4 finalists, including their stories, photos, and videos, please visit krafthockeyville.ca.
About Kraft Hockeyville Canada
Kraft Hockeyville is a partnership with Kraft Heinz, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) to support local community arenas across Canada. Since its inception in 2006, Kraft Hockeyville has awarded $3.5 million dollars to support 81 communities.
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