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kraft hockeyville 2026

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Kraft Hockeyville heads to Alberta

A small town east of Lethbridge, Alta., has hit the jackpot.

Taber, Alta., was the lucky winner of this year’s Kraft Hockeyville competition.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the winner Saturday during Hockey Night in Canada.

As a reward for winning the nationwide vote, Taber will receive $250,000 for arena upgrades the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.

Tumbler Ridge, B.C., was the runner-up. They’ll receive $100,000 for arena upgrades.

For the 20th anniversary of the event, the competition announced a winner from each province and territory, each guaranteed $50,000 for arena upgrades.

Those included the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre in Sackville, N.B., the Blackstock Arena in Blackstock, Ont., and the Ivor MacDonald Memorial Arena in Thorburn, N.S.

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Tumbler Ridge and Taber selected as two finalists in Kraft Hockeyville 2026

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Rinks in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia and Taber, Alberta are the two finalists in the Kraft Hockeyville 2026 program.

The two arenas, the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre Arena and the Taber Community Centre, are now going head-to-head for the grand prize of $250,000 for rink upgrades and the opportunity to host a pre-season NHL game.

Tumbler Ridge is the same town that suffered a devastating mass shooting on Feb. 10, 2026, that left nine dead and 27 injured.

In a post on social media, the Tumbler Ridge Minor Hockey Association expressed what the finalist spot means for the community.

“This is HUGE! This is OUR moment,” the post says. “From lifelong residents to families who have only been here for a season, from early mornings at the rink to late night practices, this town has shown what it means to come together. Now we need one final push.”

The Taber Minor Hockey Association, in a post on social media, says they could not be prouder of the finalist spot.

“This is not just about hockey — it’s about community, passion, and the unstoppable spirit of Taber. Let’s keep the energy going and show everyone why our town is truly a hockey town!”

The posts from both associations go on to thank everyone who supported their towns in making it to the two finalist spots.

Voting for this year’s Kraft Hockeyville grand prize winner will begin on April 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

To learn more, visit the Kraft Hockeyville website.