Golden has been nominated for the 2020 Kraft Hockeyville competition, with the potential to win the chance to host an NHL game and $250,000.
Each year, the competition kicks off in January, when members of the community nominate and rally behind their community to show the rest of Canada the passion they have for our winter national sport. Golden’s nomination came from Ken Turner, father of Golden Jr. B Rockets forward Dominic Turner.
“I just see how the community gets behind not only the Rockets, but the minor hockey program as well,” said Turner. “With what happened with the ammonia chiller, I just thought that this is a community that Kraft Hockeyville could hopefully benefit and make some upgrades to the Plywood Palace there.”
Kraft Hockeyville is looking for inspiring stories that truly embody the spirit of hockey, which Turner feels Golden does.
The story behind the community accounts for 80 per cent of a community’s score with 20 per cent coming from what they call “rally points.” Rally points can be accumulated through the team’s rally page on the Kraft Hockeyville website by submitting stories, sharing on social media, and adding photos and notes to the page.
Three second place communities will each win $25,000 in arena upgrades as well.
Nominations close on Feb. 9.
“There’s already great tourism in Golden with the skiing and the golf and everything else, but why not hockey right?” said Turner. “Golden is not only supporting their own team and minor hockey system, but they’re also making it available to other teams. I’ve seen three or four teams from Calgary out there having tournaments before because it’s an opportunity for them to get away from the city.”
For Turner, Golden has become like a second home over the last few seasons, as his son as spent the past two season billeting here from Calgary in order to play for the Rockets. According to Turner, Dominic has loved his time here, not just for the hockey, but for the community as well.
It’s for that reason that he’s nominated Golden, despite not being a Golden local himself. In fact, he says that it shouldn’t be hard for people outside of the community to rally behind the cause.
“You see how much the community gets behind their hockey, I just wouldn’t want to see a team like the Rockets go away due to arena difficulties,” said Turner. “If the community can get behind these kids and their junior dreams, then why can’t we get behind the community and try to do something good for them as well.”
Even if Golden wins, Turner thinks the nomination will bring some good to Golden.
“I just think it’s a community deserving of some attention, even if they don’t win Hockeyville, at least they can maybe get some much needed upgrades to the arena,” said Turner. “I think it’s important to have the community recognized for what they do for hockey.”
Turner, who always enjoys coming to the games in Golden despite the drive, has seen first hand the support the community has. His nomination for Hockeyville is his way of returning the favour, after the support his son has had as he pursues his hockey dreams.
