Months and months of organization and planning came to fruition Wednesday as the residents of West Lorne and area got to savor the day as 2023 Kraft Hockeyville.
The never-to-be-forgotten day was capped with an NHL pre-season game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Joe Thornton Community Centre in St. Thomas.
Jessica Small, co-chair of the local organizing committee, called the two-day celebration nothing short of – quote – “incredible.”
As part of the Kraft Hockeyville 2023 grand prize, West Lorne received $250,000 to help with arena renovations. A permanent reminder of this year’s competition.
In addition, the Municipality of West Elgin is contributing $150,000 to help with renovations.
West Lorne Arena has been a hub for the communities of West Lorne, Rodney, and Dutton since it was rebuilt after a fire in 1968.
Winning Kraft Hockeyville will help with a range of upgrades including a new front entrance with more accessible larger doors, new dressing rooms to accommodate more players and an expanded warm room for families and fans.
Maryjo Tait, co-chair of the local organizing committee, stresses much credit is due to the efforts of area residents.
Kevin Summers, president of West Lorne Comets minor hockey admitted while the odds of winning seemed daunting back in March, you have to go out there and challenge.
It was a wild ride for the residents, beginning in March of this year when they learned they were one of four finalists in the 2023 Kraft Hockeyville competition.
The community was crowned the winner on April 1. Amidst the jubilation that evening, there were a few tears as well in memory of West Elgin Mayor Duncan McPhail who died shortly after West Lorne was announced as one of four finalists.
The winning announcement that day was also Duncan McPhail’s birthday.
A fitting tribute to the popular mayor.
