Crossfield has officially made it into the Top 4 in the Kraft Hockeyville competition! Alongside Honeywood, ON; Saint-Boniface, QC; and Lower Sackville, NS.
Crossfield is now in the running for the $250,000 grand prize and the chance to host an NHL® preseason game at Pete Knight Arena, pending NHL/NHLPA requirements.
A Town That Lives and Breathes Hockey
For generations, hockey has been at the heart of Crossfield, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors. It’s more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.
As part of the Kraft Hockeyville competition, residents shared their personal stories on the official Hockeyville webpage, highlighting what makes this community so special:
One resident described Crossfield’s tight-knit hockey culture and how the entire town shows up for big games:
"Where do I even begin... This community is so special. We are truly a small town that still holds onto that small-town charm. If there’s a big game, you can bet you’re going to see community members of all ages—empty nesters who used to have kids in hockey, people who just love the game, and, of course, tons of kids cheering on their peers. Just recently, one of our U15 teams turned their game into something truly magical. A community member asked the team if they could raise money for a cause close to her heart, and within weeks, they held a ‘Pack to Pete’ event, raising over $15,000 for Kirsten’s Place, an overnight domestic violence shelter being built in Olds. You couldn’t move an inch in the sea of purple (Kirsten’s favorite color). It truly felt like the whole town was there to support this cause—but honestly, that’s just Crossfield."
Another local described the energy of Friday nights at Pete Knight Arena:
"I may not play hockey, but when I’m in my hometown arena on a Friday night watching my friends play, I feel like I’m out there with them! No matter where you’re sitting, you probably know who the people next to you are. Crossfield has an amazing community—people look out for one another, and that’s just who we are."
Even in the harshest blizzard-filled winters, the arena is alive with activity:
"Our cold, blistery winters are brightened by the constant energy at Pete Knight Arena. Whether it’s anxious kids flying onto the ice, parents coaching and cheering, or grandparents wrapped up in blankets in the stands, this rink is the place to be."
Why Pete Knight Arena Matters
Pete Knight Arena isn’t just a rink—it’s the heart of the community. From youth hockey to public skating, tournaments to figure skating, it’s where friendships form and lifelong memories are made.
For many families, this arena is more than just a facility—it’s a second home:
"Having each parent on the Hockey Association and Skating Association board, two boys in hockey, and a daughter who skates four days a week, my family literally LIVES at the Crossfield Arena. And we wouldn’t want it any other way. My husband grew up in the hockey world, but for me, I didn’t understand what a sports community meant until my kids started playing. Crossfield’s hockey community is truly a family. We laugh, cry, cheer, grieve, and live our busy lives with all our fellow sports families at this arena. When I walk into the arena every day, I know I’m going to find someone who has become like family to us."
Pete Knight Arena is more than just a hockey rink—it serves the entire community:
"Teens come to watch each other play. Other associations use the arena, including Figure Skating, Girl Guides, Scouts, the High School Hockey Program, and even High School Graduation. If you help us, you are helping so many different community members."
Another longtime resident reflected on what the arena means for visiting families:
"My kids are older now, but they always loved watching their friends play here. The best was having cousins from all over the region come and play in Crossfield. It was always an exciting time for our family."
For many, the arena is a safe place to gather, watch hockey, and connect:
"It’s a place where you’re always welcome. You don’t have to be a specific type of person to be there—you can just grab an order of fries and enjoy the game."
How the $250,000 Prize Would Help
If Crossfield wins Kraft Hockeyville, the $250,000 in funding would go toward major upgrades that the community has struggled to afford.
"Being a small town with reasonable taxes, there is never much left over for our little arena. There are many areas for improvement, including a scoreboard (it literally turns off during games), PA system, bathrooms, the Lion’s Loft, flooring, stands, and change rooms. Last year, I broke my ankle right at the end of our hockey season, and I realized how inaccessible our arena is for people with disabilities. The stands have a first step that is well above average, making it difficult for people with less mobility. We have no automated doors, and there’s nowhere for someone in a wheelchair to safely view the ice surface. I would love to see us make some changes to improve accessibility for everyone."
What’s Next? The Final Push for Votes
With Crossfield securing a spot in the Top 4 alongside Honeywood, Saint-Boniface, and Lower Sackville, the real battle begins on April 4-5, when Canadians will vote to decide which town wins the grand prize. The competition will be fierce, but if there’s one thing Crossfield knows how to do, it’s come together when it matters most.
How and When to Vote
Crossfield will need every possible vote to claim the Kraft Hockeyville 2024 title. Here's what you need to know:
- Voting opens April 4 at 9:00 a.m. ET (7:00 am Alberta time) and closes April 5 at 5:00 p.m. (3:00 p.m. Alberta time) ET
- Voting is unlimited—residents can vote as many times as they want
- All votes must be cast at www.krafthockeyville.ca
Crossfield is Ready
With the April 4-5 voting period just weeks away, Crossfield is gearing up for an all-out push to rally support from across the country. The town’s Hockeyville team will soon share more details on how residents can get involved, spread the word, and help bring the title home.
For now, Crossfield celebrates this major achievement—proud, united, and ready to take the next step.
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