The Town of Taber, Alberta, is turning a local crisis into a national campaign for support, entering the Kraft Hockeyville competition just weeks after an explosion caused substantial damage to its community centre arena and curling rink.
Explosion Rocks Community Hub
On December 17, an explosion originating in the small arena ice resurfacer room at the Taber Community Centre sent shockwaves through the facility. The blast caused significant structural and interior damage to both the arena and adjacent curling rink areas. Fortunately, officials reported that everyone inside was evacuated safely as a precaution, and no injuries were sustained.
The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with the town's last public update on December 19 stating it had not yet been confirmed. The incident left a major gap in the community, forcing local hockey families to travel to other towns for ice time.
A Bid for Hockeyville Glory and Funds
In response to the damage, town officials announced on Thursday that they have formally submitted Taber's entry into the annual Kraft Hockeyville contest. The stakes are high: the winning community receives $250,000 for arena upgrades and the coveted opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
The competition also awards a runner-up prize of $100,000 and eleven provincial and territorial prizes of $50,000 each. As of last Friday, Taber faces stiff competition, having joined 374 other communities from across Canada that have already entered. The submission deadline for entries is March 1.
Community Rallying in "Rally Phase"
The contest is now in its "rally phase," where communities earn points by gathering support online. The Town of Taber is actively encouraging anyone with a connection to its rink—not just current residents—to share stories, photos, and videos of their experiences on the contest platform.
"Our rink needs this support now more than ever," the town stated in a social media post. They have released a supportive video titled "This Rink Raised Us" on YouTube and submitted it to the contest website. Early response has been described as "incredible" by local officials.
One hockey parent from the area captured the community's sentiment on the contest site, noting that families are now driving "far and wide" to continue their children's hockey passions. "It would mean the world to our community to have the money to put towards rebuilding and improving on what we had already," the parent wrote.
After the rally phase concludes, judges will review nominations, calculate scores, and select winners. The top two communities from the provincial and territorial winners will then face a national vote to determine who claims the grand $250,000 prize. Last year's winner was Saint-Boniface, Quebec.
