Taber, Alberta Named Provincial Winner in Kraft Hockeyville Contest

The Town of Taber, Alberta, has been recognized as one of the thirteen provincial winners in the Kraft Hockeyville competition. This announcement was made on March 18, 2025, during a televised event celebrating communities across Canada that demonstrate a passion for hockey. Each selected community will receive $50,000 for arena upgrades, with the possibility of additional funding for the final two contenders.

In addition to the financial support, each winner will also receive $10,000 worth of hockey equipment, courtesy of the NHL Players Association’s Goals and Dreams program and the NHL/NHLPA’s Industry Growth Fund. The Town of Taber expressed its gratitude in a statement, noting the significance of being chosen as Alberta’s representative. “Today is an incredible honour for the Town of Taber! To be named Alberta’s representative in Kraft Hockeyville is something we do not take lightly,” the statement read.

The competition will see Taber up against several other communities, including Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia, Grandview in Manitoba, and Sackville in New Brunswick, among others. The two finalists will be announced on March 21, 2025, at which point they will vie for the title of Kraft Hockeyville and a grand prize of $100,000 for arena improvements.

Community Spirit and Resilience

Taber is currently in the process of raising funds to rebuild its community centre arena, which suffered extensive damage due to a Zamboni explosion on December 17, 2025. The town is rallying behind this initiative, illustrating the strong community spirit that characterizes the area.

In a show of solidarity and support, Taber will host the Play On Street Hockey tournament on March 27-28, 2025. This event will feature several former NHL players, including Brian Skrudland, Kelly Buchberger, and Rich Sutter, alongside three-time Olympic gold medal winner Rebecca Johnston. The tournament aims to engage the community and raise further awareness for the rebuilding efforts.

The Town of Taber emphasized the vital role that rinks play in community life. “Rinks are not just buildings,” the statement highlighted. “They are gathering places, classrooms, and community anchors where children grow up, volunteers give their time, and memories are made that last a lifetime.”

As the town navigates the challenges posed by the recent incident, it remains optimistic about the future of its community hockey arena. The recognition from Kraft Hockeyville not only provides potential funding but also unites residents in their shared love for the sport and the importance of their local rink.