Twillingate is the Kraft Hockeyville 2020 champion as announced Saturday night by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Sportsnet’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast.
Kraft Heinz Canada, in partnership with the NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) hosts the annual event and stated that this year’s program received a record number of nominations from spirited hockey communities across the country.
A news release notes that Twillingate’s passion for the game and the community’s ability to rally votes put them over the top.
The town will receive $250,000 for upgrades to George Hawkins Memorial Arena, an opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game and $10,000 worth of equipment from NHLPA’s Goals & Dreams fund.
Decisions regarding the Kraft Hockeyville NHL pre-season Game venue and timing will be made by Kraft Hockeyville partners at a later date.
Twillingate’s current arena, George Hawkins Memorial Arena, was originally an aircraft hangar in Gander, Newfoundland. The structure was disassembled and reassembled in 1967 to give the community the rink and roof that still stands there today. To keep the arena running, the community needs a number of repairs, including fixing their ice chiller, repairing the leaking roof and other general upgrades.
“We saw incredible amounts of excitement and heart from all four of this year’s finalist communities throughout the Kraft Hockeyville Canada nomination and voting phases,” said Matt Bruce, Senior Brand Manager, Kraft Heinz Canada. “Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Twillingate showed an undying passion for hockey and overwhelming community support. We look forward to celebrating with them.”
