After the announcement, after the celebrations, after the many hugs, handshakes and thank yous, Dennis Berarducci could finally breathe.
“It’s been a ride, it’s been nerve wracking,” he said not longer after finding out that he helped win $20,000 for Revelstoke Minor Hockey in the Kraft Hockey Goes On contest.
The contest saw minor hockey associations nominate one champion from their community for an online vote and a chance at at $100,000 grand prize, or one of 20 $20,000 runner-up prizes. Berarducci, a volunteer with Revelstoke Minor Hockey for decades, was not nominated to represent the community.
Dennis Berarducci and his wife Glenalee watch nervously as the winners of the Kraft Hockey Goes Contest are announced.
He passed the first hurdle when he was named one of 100 finalists in the contest — one of 20 people competing for the $100,000 prize in the Pacific division.
On the weekend of March 23-24, he took part as Canadians cast their votes. In Revelstoke, voting drives were held at a number of businesses and reminders to vote blanketed the local media and social media.
Then it was time to wait for the winners to be announced during the second intermission of the Montreal Canadiens – Philadelphia Flyers game on TSN on Wednesday, April 3.
The city agreed to close a block of Mackenzie Avenue for a game of street hockey and Conversations Cafe and Isabella’s Restaurant put on the game. Berarducci paced nervously about. He had been having trouble sleeping recently, he said.
“How can I relax?” he asked.
Finally, the second period finished and everyone on hand gathered inside Isabella’s. Berarducci sat with his wife Glenalee, nervously watching the TV. The announcement of the winners was dragged out — first the TSN panel came on to discuss the game, then they showed the out-of-town highlights.
Finally, the Kraft Hockey Goes On logo graced the screen and TSN announcer James Duthie came on. The regional winners were announced. Curt Thorne from Golden was named the grand prize winner for the Pacific region. Disappointing, but there was still a chance to win $20,000.
The first 10 names came up. No Dennis Berarducci. Then the final 10 names came up and there it was. A huge cheer went up. Berarducci leaped from his seat. He hugged his wife and his son Rusty, and everyone else it seemed.
Dennis Berarducci hugs his wife Glenalee after learning Revelstoke Minor Hockey won $20,000 through the Kraft Hockey Goes On contest.
Outside he posed for a photo with the kids from Revelstoke Minor Hockey.
“It’s wonderful to see that Revelstoke pulled together, came out and we were successful,” he said after the dust settled. “$20,000 goes a long way when we talk about kids.”
He thanked the people who nominated him, those that promoted the vote, the businesses that took part, and Revelstoke Minor Hockey. “I’m very proud,” he said. “Yes, I’m proud of myself, but I’m also proud of Revelstoke.”
Now it will be up to Revelstoke Minor Hockey to decide how to spend the money. It will go towards the kids, said RMH president Kevin Grimm.
“It’s exciting. Everyone banded together and the community came together in a big way to make it happen,” he said. “It comes from Dennis. All the little things he does, it adds a certain colour to minor hockey and it’s infectious. People want to support the things he starts.”
