Talbot Gardens in Simcoe is in a dead heat with two other arenas as voting in the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville competition enters its final stretch.
Organizers say the local rink is neck and neck in its provincial division, with online voting and submissions set to close this weekend.
The push now is to generate as many stories, photos, and community nominations as possible before the deadline, as engagement plays a critical role in determining who advances.
Talbot Gardens has become the focal point of a widespread community effort, with Simcoe Minor Hockey encouraging families, coaches, and players to rally together.
Under the competition’s points-based system, arenas with the highest level of verified community participation move on to the next round.
Signs posted at the arena are urging teams to make it a group effort, and organizers say momentum has been building steadily throughout the week.
Volunteers are spreading the word across social media and within local networks in hopes of securing enough submissions to edge out the competition.
The 2026 edition of Kraft Hockeyville marks the program’s 20th anniversary and features the largest prize pool in its history, with more than $1 million in funding available nationwide.
For the first time, 13 provincial and territorial winners will each receive $50,000 for rink upgrades, while two finalists will compete for a $250,000 grand prize and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
Organizers say even capturing the provincial title would bring significant improvements to Talbot Gardens, which serves as a central hub for youth sports, recreation, and community events in Simcoe.
Since launching in 2006, Kraft Hockeyville has invested more than $5.4 million into arenas across Canada.
With the deadline fast approaching, supporters say every single submission counts.