Elk Point calls for support in Kraft Hockeyville contest for AG Ross Arena

Elk Point area residents are participating in the Kraft Hockeyville contest in hopes of giving their rink, the beloved AG Ross Arena, desperately needed upgrades.

“Currently our ice plant is in desperate need of a new header. We have already almost lost our ice two or three times this season. We’ve had to replace the motor, and then have it looked at because the ice was melted,” said Courtney Kelly, Manager. 

“We also have issues with our boards now, they’re leaning because of the thaw and freezing of the ice.” 

With approximately $50,000 raised, the arena has held multiple fundraisers such as Cornhole, Beef Raffles, Skate with Santa, Wings and Things, and selling helmet and water bottle stickers and merchandise sales. 

“$50,000 is a small number compared to the amount that needs to be fixed in here, the header alone on the plant is over $170,000,” said Kelly.

The Nominate and Rally phase is in progress. Rally points make 20 per cent of the vote and can be earned by submitting a nomination story for 10 points, sharing on Twitter for five points, adding photos of the area for three points, and emoji reactions on these posts count for one.

“We are small, but we have kids who play from Kehewin, Frog Lake, Saddle Lake, and Dewberry. They come from all over to use our arena because they do not have their own,” said Kelly.

“Currently, we are in the rally phase which is where you do the most – adding pictures of when you have been in the arena, stories from people who have used the arena are so important as 80 per cent of the vote comes from the stories.” 

The majority of the vote comes from Nomination Stories which are shared by community members who use and share a connection with the rink. 

Residents are asked to share about their community’s spirit and passion for hockey, the importance of the arena and how this money will benefit the arena.

“Anyone that’s ever used the arena doesn’t have to be people who currently use it but have used it at any time can go in and write their own story about what the arena has done for them,” said Kelly. 

Rally points and stories are all due by Feb. 19. 

Participants may only submit one story per arena, which must be original and at least 150 words, but not more than 1,000. The stories will be judged on the passion for hockey, the importance of the arena, and how this money will help.

The judging phase begins on Feb. 20, then the top four announcements on Mar. 11.

Submit your stories and photos below.

Fundraising 

This upcoming spring they are holding Acres for Ice.

“It is a fundraiser where a farmer has donated a piece of land, and we are sourcing inputs to farm the land and then harvest the crop. We are currently selling squares at $250 for a donation,” said Kelly.