Ontario city claims Kraft Hockeyville 2024 title

UPDATE: This story was first published on January 15. 

Who: Kraft Heinz

What: Elliot Lake, Ont. has won the sought-after designation of Kraft Hockeyville 2024, an annual initiative by Kraft Heinz, in partnership with the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

The city will receive $250,000 for arena upgrades, the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game, and $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund. 

The remaining three community finalists will be awarded $25,000 each for arena upgrades, along with $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund.

"We would like to congratulate Elliot Lake and all of this year's finalists for their amazing commitment to their communities and making this year's program a huge success yet again," said Simon Laroche, president of Kraft Heinz Canada, in a press release. "As a lifelong hockey fan, it has always been clear to me that Kraft Hockeyville has a tradition of championing Canada's game. This year, the passion was clear with thousands of nominations, serving as a reminder that when we unite to make hockey more accessible and inclusive, anything is achievable."

Over the past 18 years, Kraft Hockeyville has awarded over $4.8 million to 97 communities to address the growing costs associated with maintaining or upgrading aging sports and recreation infrastructure in Canada.