Despite the best efforts of Wilkie, Renous, N.B. was voted to win Kraft Hockeyville 2019. The rural maritime town wins $250,000 for arena improvements and will host a pre-season NHL game.
The towns were in the running with Rich Valley, Alta. and Saint-Polycarpe, Que. Renous’ story tells of 14-year-old Thomas Dunn, who passed in a car accident last year. He’s remembered as a great friend and athlete, and the submission for Kraft Hockeyville was in honour of him. The town plans to improve the Tom Donovan Arena with ideas like upgraded bathrooms, a girl’s change room, interior painting and new fire exit doors.
Wilkie focused on the chance to improve their arena’s stands, the ice surface glass, the washrooms and change rooms. A number of noteworthy figures vocally supported the town’s bid for Kraft Hockeyville including Battlefords-Lloydminster MP Rosemarie Falk. As a finalist, the town received $25,000 for their cause and $10,000 for equipment from the NHL Players’ Association Goals and Dreams. North Battleford native Brett Wilson is also pledging $25,000 for the town’s arena upgrades.
The @hockeyville finalists. All worthy & deserving.
Since #Wilkie didn’t win – & it’s VERY close to my hometown of #NorthBattlefordSK – I will add $25k to the kitty for #WilkieArenaUpgrades
Encourage others to share!
Hey @TaraSlone – where does the Cheque go? pic.twitter.com/rwgztIx7BY
— * W. Brett Wilson * (@WBrettWilson) March 31, 2019
