Lumsden’s bid to become Saskatchewan’s first Kraft Hockeyville is officially in crunch time.
The community, just north of Regina, was named one of the contest’s four finalists for 2021.
Lumsden Hockeyville Organizer Jamie Lees says reaching the finals is very exciting for the community.
“This is huge, this is huge not only for Lumsden, but the other surrounding communities around us, and really all of Saskatchewan,” said Lees. “We want to be the first Saskatchewan town to bring it home to our province.”
Lees says hockey is an important part of the community, and many people did everything they could to keep playing during the pandemic.
“Lumsden is all about hockey, we eat, breathe, sleep it. When the rink was closed, people just took up spots along the river to still keep the sport of hockey alive,” said Lees. “I think Kraft Hockeyville recognizes that we really value that sport, and it’s something that get us through our long winters, and we are the perfect little town, nestled away in the valley here, that love that sport.”
The winner of the annual contest is given the chance to host an NHL pre-season game, and $250,000 in arena upgrades. Lees says the money would be used to help grow the town’s women’s program.
“The biggest thing that we’re really trying to push for right now, is to try and expand our female hockey program, and really empower those girls, and let them know how important they are,” said Lees. “Part of it is trying to add to our changerooms and give the girls a space where they feel welcome, and that they feel like their sport is as worthy as the male program, and just really empower those females through sport.”
Voting for Kraft Hockeyville opens April 9th, and the winner will be announced on April 10th during Hockey Night in Canada.
