Long Pond, on the east side of Windsor, N.S., is recognized by some historians as the birthplace of the game, with evidence indicating a crude version of the sport was played there in the early 1800s.

The community of Renous, N.B., has been struck by a string of tragedies, resulting in the deaths of a number of young people. One of them formed the basis of the community's application to Kraft Hockeyville.

The local campaign bid was announced in honour of Thomas Dunn, a 14-year-old from outside of Blackville, N.B., who tragically passed away following a dirt bike accident in June.