Who will be Canada’s next Hockeyville?

Kraft Heinz Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association, has opened nominations for Kraft Hockeyville 2021.

Kraft Hockeyville has established a 15-year legacy of encouraging participation in Canada’s beloved sport by upgrading local hockey arenas in need of repair and refurbishing.

Since its inception, Kraft Hockeyville has awarded $3.8 million to 85 communities across the country.

Lumby recently completed a $2.5million renovation of its Pat Duke Arena that was kick-started by a Hockeyville victory in 2016.

West Kelowna was the Hockeyville runner-up in 2012. After the results were leaked early, the public relations company donated hockey equipment to West Kelowna Minor Hockey.

“For many communities, hockey is more than a sport and being crowned the Kraft Hockeyville champion is more than a title,” says Matt Bruce, Senior Brand Manager, Kraft Heinz Canada. “The Kraft Hockeyville legacy is a powerful tool to ignite community spirit, which feels more necessary than ever after a challenging year for all Canadians.”

“Before we won Kraft Hockeyville, women playing in our arena had to change into their gear in the bathrooms,” said Rhonda Catt one of the nominators behind Lumby’s successful 2016 bid.

“After the renovations, we were able to put in new locker rooms, which has made our rink a much more inclusive space for girls and women of all ages.”

Communities should submit their nomination story online at krafthockeyville.ca before Feb. 14 at 8:59 p.m. PST.

The 2021 grand prize winner will have an opportunity to host an NHL preseason game and receive $250,000 to put toward arena upgrades.