Talbot Gardens in Simcoe is calling on the community to help bring major upgrades — and potentially NHL players — to town through a national Kraft Hockeyville bid.
Simcoe Minor Hockey is urging families, players, and coaches to submit online nominations, photos, and comments as part of the competition’s new points-based system. The arena with the most community engagement advances to the next round.
A sign posted at Talbot Gardens encourages teams to make it a group effort.
The 2026 edition of Kraft Hockeyville marks the program’s 20th anniversary and features the largest prize pool in its history — more than $1 million in community funding nationwide.
For the first time, 13 provincial and territorial winners will each receive $50,000 for rink upgrades, with two finalists competing for a $250,000 grand prize and the chance to host an NHL pre-season game.
Organizers say even reaching the provincial level would mean major renovations for Talbot Gardens, which serves as a central hub for youth sports, community events, and recreation in Simcoe.
Since 2006, Kraft Hockeyville has invested over $5.4 million into Canadian arenas.