Chris Stedile
Castlegar News
Kraft Hockeyville nominations are entering their third week and the City of Castlegar needs the public’s help. Voters can head to khv2015.com to offer their support.
One of the main questions asked by Kraft is: what local arena project would most benefit from the prize money and what impact would this project have on your community?
After considering several options, the city has come up with a project which they find to be perfect for the $100,000 grand prize.
The seating area inside the Community Complex ice rink, situated to the immediate left upon entering, is to be transformed into a sort of “warm room.”
At Sunday’s Hockeyville meeting, Councillor Dan Rye said this room would serve as a more comfortable area for seniors, the disabled and in general those who don’t deal with the cold all too well.
Councillor Rye has consulted with members of the City and the RDCK to confirm this would be feasible and something the complex would benefit from. The project looks hopeful but will be going to a vote on January 22.
With support from civic leaders it is now up to you, the community, to back up this project and create solidarity in Castlegar’s Hockeyville campaign.
The project is estimated to cost close to $200,000 so the remaining funding would need to be financed but the contest winnings would cover half the cost and prove to be a great start.
KHV does ask that voters give examples of their community’s passion towards the sport and wants to know why Castlegar would be the right place to host an NHL pre-season opener. Councillor Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff urges voters to be thoughtful in their nominations to achieve victory this year.
While words will help propel Castlegar to the top, actions will secure the win.
Heaton-Sherstobitoff has been busy these past couple weeks setting up various events from all corners of the community and will continue to do so until the very end.
On Tuesday, Heaton-Sherstobitoff and Rye were interviewed by Shaw cable down at City Hall and the program will be airing at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
Of course, Minor Hockey Week is getting underway and they will be doing their part to contribute to the effort as well.
January 24 will be the date for the Smoke N’ Guns hockey game out by the arena. The game was a huge success and a lot of fun last year so council thought it would be fun to challenge the media to a game as well. Snoops vs. Governators is what they’re calling this one.
The games kick off at 1 p.m. that day and should be finished by 2:30 p.m.
While several other events are in discussion at the moment, the last confirmed outing will be on January 31 at the complex when the Rebels host Fernie’s Ghostriders.
That night kids enter for free if they’re wearing a jersey and adults only pay $5 if they don Canada’s colours of red or white.
The local schools and the Saints are also expected to get involved but details are currently being worked out.
If Castlegar makes it past round one the voting for the top 10 begins March 21 and ends the 23. Assuming Castlegar makes it to the end voting for the winner will be from March 28-30 for any Canadian resident over the age of 13.