Kraft Heinz, NHL, and NHLPA have named Taber, Alberta, and Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as the final two contenders in the 20th annual Kraft Hockeyville competition.
The winner receives $250,000 for rink upgrades and hosts an NHL preseason game. The runner-up gets $100,000. Both, plus regional winners, also receive $10,000 in youth hockey gear.
Tumbler Ridge is healing after a school shooting last month killed eight, including students. Its arena became a sanctuary for grieving families. If victorious, the town plans accessible seating and sound system upgrades.
Taber lost both its rinks in a December Zamboni explosion that leveled walls and damaged infrastructure. Town officials are rebuilding with $6M approved, but need $5M more. A prior 1999 school shooting still lingers in community memory.
Voting opens April 3 at 9 a.m. ET. Winner announced April 4 evening.