Nominations open for 20th anniversary of Kraft Hockeyville

Kraft Heinz, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA), have opened the nominations for the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville, marking the 20th year of the community competition. 

Since 2006, the program has awarded $5.4 million to support 105 communities. 

“Over the past two decades, Kraft Hockeyville has proven that hockey is more than a game–it’s the heart of Canadian communities, where local arenas serve as vital gathering places,” states a press release. 

To mark the milestone anniversary, Kraft Hockeyville has expanded its format and prize pool from past competitions. 

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The program’s new phase will recognize one winner from each of province and territory. Eleven of the winning communities will receive $50,000 for rink upgrades. The runner-up will receive $100,000 and the winning town will be awarded $250,000 plus the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game. 

The NHLPA’s Goals and Dreams fund will also donate $50,000 in new hockey equipment to towns across Canada.

Kraft Hockeyville has partnered with Marc-André Fleury, retired NHL alumnus, and hockey media personality Paul Bissonnette, as its 2026 ambassadors. 

Community nominations close March 1. The 13 provincial and territorial winners will be announced March 14 and the Kraft Hockeyville 2026 champion will be announced on April 4.