Lucan, Ont., will be abuzz this weekend as voting gets underway in the annual Kraft Hockeyville competition.
The southwestern Ontario town is one of four vying to take grand prize. The winning town will get $250,000 in upgrades for its local arena, and the chance to host a pre-season NHL game.
“It should be the piece of infrastructure that it was meant to be. There are parts of that arena that are over 70 years old and really need to be brought up to today’s standards.”
Burghardt-Jesson says hockey is a way of life in Lucan.
“Personally, I raised four boys, they went through the minor hockey system, I’ve got one still playing in the junior system. There are so many hours spent by families, friends, neighbours, at the arena.”
Over the past two weeks, the community has been energized as though by a “lightning rod” said Burghardt-Jesson.
“We have rallied together, the town is painted green, and everybody is celebrating the great things about our community.”
Up and down the streets, she says hockey jerseys are hanging from people’s porches, light posts are wrapped in green ribbon and there are emerald lights all over.
Voting starts at noon on Friday, and continues until 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, online. The winner will be announced during Hockey Night in Canada.
– With files from Craig Needles
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