On a frosty Saturday night in Crossfield, the sound of skates carving across the ice echoes through Pete Knight Arena. The stands are packed, grandparents cheer on grandkids, and neighbours gather for hockey and the community.
Moments like this define Crossfield, which is why the town has backed a bid for Kraft Hockeyville 2025.
Pete Knight Arena is more than just a rink. It’s where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the town’s spirit thrives. Winning the prestigious Kraft Hockeyville title would mean $250,000 for critical upgrades and the chance to host an NHL® pre-season game—a moment that could put Crossfield on the national stage.
Mayor Harris: "It’s All About Teamwork"
Mayor Kim Harris knows how much Pete Knight Arena means to her community.
"Our nomination was made by the community," Harris said. "Our minor hockey and figure skating groups are leading the charge, and the town is proud to partner with them. We’re rallying Crossfield residents and the surrounding area, including Airdrie, to help us get across the finish line. It’s all about teamwork—let’s put that puck in the net."
Harris believes the arena represents the very heart of Crossfield.
"What I love most about Crossfield is the community and its people. Our arena is the very soul of our community. Time and time again, I’ve seen residents rally together, lifting each other up, whether it’s helping neighbours, supporting the food bank, or just gathering to celebrate. I’m confident we’ll come together for this competition."
Winning would also provide a much-needed boost for the town.
"If we host a hockey game, the impact would be incredible. I don’t think we’d even have standing room in the arena. We’d need TVs in the halls to accommodate everyone. It would be a huge moment for Crossfield."
When asked about competing towns, Harris was gracious but confident.
"Good luck to everyone,” she said, "but I think Crossfield has the best residents around. We have great stories, incredible pictures, and an arena that has been a cornerstone of our community for years. We’ll be fierce competitors, and we’re ready to give it our all."
A Legacy of Hockey and Community
According to an NHL news release, Kraft Hockeyville has invested over $5.1 million in Canadian communities since the program began 19 years ago, helping small towns upgrade aging sports facilities.
"Growing up, hockey was more than a game. It was a community cornerstone where I formed lifelong friendships," said Carey Price, NHL All-Star and Kraft Hockeyville 2025 ambassador. "Now, as the Kraft Hockeyville 2025 ambassador, I'm excited to help inspire the next generation of hockey greats. The spark in a young goalie's eye after a great save or the joy on a player's face when they score—that's what drives me. This program lets players across Canada experience that magic."
The competition unfolds in phases:
- Nomination & Rally Phase (January 1 – March 2): Communities submit stories and earn rally points to showcase their passion.
- Judging Phase (March 3 – March 15): Judges select the Top 4 finalists.
- Voting Phase (April 4 at 9 a.m. ET – April 5 at 5 p.m. ET): Canadians vote to determine the winner.
- Winning Announcement (April 5): The grand prize winner is crowned.
The grand prize includes $250,000 for arena upgrades and the opportunity to host an NHL® pre-season game. Three runner-up communities will each receive $25,000, and the Top 4 finalists will also get $10,000 in brand-new hockey equipment from NHLPA Goals & Dreams.
Pete Knight Arena: The Cornerstone of Crossfield
For Crossfield residents, Pete Knight Arena is much more than a building—it’s where stories come to life. One resident shared:
"Pete Knight Arena brings the entire town of Crossfield together for more than just hockey—it’s our community space where anyone and everyone is welcome!"
Another parent reflected on its generational impact:
"I grew up playing hockey in small towns across Canada as a young female when female hockey was just starting to grow. The arena in Crossfield now gives me the opportunity to share the game I love so much with my three boys. Being at the arena together and on the ice is our favourite thing to do! We’ve created everlasting memories here."
Newcomers to Crossfield have also found a home at the arena:
"When we moved to Crossfield, we were just starting our hockey journey with our oldest son. We felt right at home the first time we walked into the rink. Everyone in Crossfield is so welcoming and supportive. Now, with three children in hockey, we spend the majority of our time at the rink. The stands are always packed to cheer on our home teams. The sense of community is incredible."
Why the Upgrades Are Needed
While Pete Knight Arena is beloved, it’s also aging and in need of serious upgrades. Residents have shared examples of the challenges:
- Dressing room shortages: "Our U5 kids have to use benches in the cold arena to get dressed."
- Malfunctioning equipment: "Our score clock often turns off during games."
- Accessibility issues: "Our stands are extremely inaccessible for anyone with mobility issues. When our in-laws come to watch games, we have to carry a step stool to help them into the bleachers because the first step is so high."
As Crossfield grows, demand for ice time has outpaced availability. "Without this funding, families will have to travel to other towns to find ice time," one resident explained.
How You Can Help
According to Kraft Hockeyville rules, Pete Knight Arena’s score comes from two categories:
- Story Submission (80 per cent): Written or video stories showcasing the community’s passion for hockey and the arena.
- Rally Points (20 per cent): Earned through actions like submitting photos, adding notes of encouragement, and reacting to stories and photos with emojis.
Mayor Harris is urging everyone to get involved.
"Every story, photo, and reaction counts,” she said. “Let’s show how much this arena means—not just to Crossfield residents, but to everyone who uses it."
The nomination phase closes on March 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with voting scheduled for early April.
Visit KraftHockeyville.ca to support Pete Knight Arena.
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