Taber in play as the next Hockeyville

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Dec. 31, the Town of Taber posted a Facebook announcement declaring its intention to make a push to become Kraft Hockeyville in 2026. Kraft Hockeyville is a Canada-wide contest in which communities showcase their arenas and sports cultures in order to win a grand prize that includes $250,000 in arena upgrades and a once in a lifetime opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.

 The contest opened on Jan. 1, and with hockey and the Community Centre being what they are to Taber, comments from Taberites came pouring in.

 The Town’s initial Facebook post said, “We heard the suggestions. We’ve felt the support from our community and our neighbours after the explosion at our Community Centre. And now, we’re doing it. But we can’t do it without you.”

 The town would undoubtedly benefit from a $250K in arena improvements, which it needs now more than ever. Plus, an NHL game hosted on Taber ice would stir up massive excitement.

 The competition is now underway with the nomination and rally phase. The Kraft Hockeyville website is the hub for every town or city’s arena, and it’s easy: anyone can go to the website and click on ‘find my arena.’ Simply type in Taber and the Taber Community Centre’s rally page shows up. 

Everyone’s comments are visible and residents can either tell a story for 10 rally points, add a photo for three points, or post a brief note for one point. The competition is entirely community-driven. As of Jan. 5, there were nearly 150 stories posted, hundreds of photos and 80-plus brief comments.

 The stories are a pleasure to read, and have an undercurrent of moving sentimentality. One resident wrote, “Hockey is woven into everyday life in Taber. It’s where generations connect, where families spend winter nights, and where the whole town shows up no matter the score or the weather. Our arena was filled with parents in work boots, grandparents in the same seats they’ve sat in for years, and volunteers who kept the rink running long after the lights should’ve gone out.”

 “That rink was our gathering place, our heartbeat in the winter, our second home,” the same author wrote.

 Another resident said, “Our arena is more than just a building—it’s a place where belonging begins. It’s important to be part of something, to have people in the stands who are proud of you and cheering you on. The Taber arena has given that to my son.”

 An out-of-towner joined the rally page and said, “Taber is not my home arena, but neighbouring. We often play there and are so saddened by the devastation caused by the explosion which caused catastrophic damage to the building…the loss of the arena has left a void in the community and surrounding area.”

 The rally pages are open until March 1, and the judging period begins the next day after that. Provincial and territorial winners are announced on March 14 – a community in every province and territory will receive $50,000 for arena upgrades.

 The judges will announce the top two finalists on March 21, and those two will compete head-to-head in a nationwide vote to determine the Hockeyville 2026 grand prize winner, announced on April 4.

 Taber’s Communications Manager Meghan Brennan noted the strong response and added, “The Town has already produced a short rally video to support the nomination and encourage participation. You don’t have to be a Taberite to support us – anyone can! If the Taber arena has meant anything to you, we encourage you to share stories and memories on the website so we can gain those points.”

 So head on over to the Kraft Hockeyville site and join Team Taber.