Tumbler Ridge, B.C., and Taber, Alta. named top 2 Hockeyville finalists
Global News
The 2026 Kraft Hockeyville top two contestants have been named. The winner receives $250,000 for ice rink upgrades, and the runner-up will receive a prize worth about $100,000.
The Kraft Hockeyville competition is down to two communities that have each gone through hardships in recent months, giving both a chance of celebration in a year that’s been anything but.
On Saturday, Kraft announced Taber, Alta., and Tumbler Ridge, B.C., as the final two.
“I haven’t stopped smiling, my phone hasn’t stopped ringing, it’s been extraordinary,” said Meghan Brennan, the communications manager for the Town of Taber. “We are humbled, we are honoured, we’re thrilled. There is no way to adequately describe a feeling like this – it is euphoria.”
The contest, a partnership between Kraft Heinz, the NHL, and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), awards the winner with $250,000 for rink upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL Pre-Season game for the community. The runner-up will receive $100,000 for rink upgrades.
In addition, each community, along with other provincial and territorial winners, will receive $10,000 in brand-new hockey equipment for youth.
“We’re honoured to mark this top-two-finalist milestone in Kraft Hockeyville’s 20th anniversary year,” said Kelly Fleming, chief marketing officer for Kraft Heinz Canada. “Canadians shared inspiring stories about how their local rinks foster connection, strength and community. That spirit is reflected in this year’s finalists – Taber, Alberta and Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – where the arena is at the heart of it all.”
Each town is still recovering after tragedies in recent months.
Last month, eight people – including several students – were killed, when a shooter went to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and opened fire. The shooter had gone to the school after killing her mother and half brother at their family home.
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