Photo courtesy of George Zoethout
Bullet News GODERICH – Goderich councillors pulled hockey jerseys over dress shirts and grabbed sticks to pose for a photo in support of a local bid to have the town named Kraft Hockeyville 2012 last night.
“I think this is the time to have some serious fun and some serious fun is needed in the community,” said Mayor Deb Shewfelt, who was among the first to pull on a Goderich Sailors jersey at the end of a presentation from the bid’s organizers.
Steve Hewitt, who represents a committee of about 30 people orchestrating a bid for Goderich to be named Kraft Hockeyville 2012, told council his community has the spirit required to win the contest.
“The spirit that we witnessed in the last quarter, in the last year in Goderich – it was just truly amazing. It brings shivers up to the back of my spine and I say that wholeheartedly. Out of something so horrible, something so good was happening,” said Hewitt, who is involved in the Salvation Army and helped many people affected by the tornado in those first few days.
Goderich is one of 95 communities across the nation qualified to date to compete for the title of Kraft Hockeyville 2012, a competition that seeks out communities that best exemplify Canada’s spirit. Entries will be received until Jan. 31.
One community will win $100,000 for arena upgrades, be featured on a CBC broadcast, plus have the chance to host a pre-season NHL game. There are also runner-up prizes.
To get to the top prize, communities must make it to the top three in their region, which is determined by a panel of judges who will consider originality, community spirit and passion for hockey. Entries then go through two rounds of public voting on the Hockeyville website or by phone. The winner will be announced March 31.
Check the official website to follow along with Maitland Recreation Centre, Goderich.
In 2006, Wingham competed in the top five for the title of Hockeyville, but lost out to Salmon River, Nova Scotia.
“Success around this event is creating community spirit around hockey and getting the community involved in something that is definitely a positive for us,” Hewitt said.
As a starter, the community is encouraged to wear hockey jerseys in the workplace on Fridays through the competition period.
As well, Hockey Day in Goderich is planned for Saturday. Jan 14, with a lineup of games at both local arenas. Bring a non-perishable Kraft food item to support the local food banks and the Hockeyville bid. For information, visit the Goderich Minor Hockey website.
Goderich staff will join the Hockeyville committee to support its bid while potential arena upgrades will be referred to upcoming budget talks.
