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It is often said that hockey is Canada’s national sport. If you grew up in Canada, it is quite possible you made many childhood memories gliding a puck across the ice, or crowded around your television as the clock wound down in overtime. For the community of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, hockey is in their blood.

Tatamagouche’s North Shore Recreation Centre (NSRC) has landed in the Top 10 for Kraft Hockeyville 2016 thanks to over 125 nominations. The NSRC is the only top 10 finalist from Nova Scotia, and one of two finalists from the Maritimes.

The NSRC is in desperate need of a new rink floor–a $300,000+ expense, without the floor there is no ice, and no arena.

The NSRC houses countless clubs, leagues, and events. It is the proud home of the Tatamagouche Titans, North Colchester High School girls’ hockey team, pickup hockey leagues, Tatamagouche Curling Club, Tatamagouche Figure Skating Club, and more also call NSRC home.

On Wednesday March 9th, each of these teams and clubs, along with hundreds of community members, packed the arena to show their support and their passion for hockey. “We are Hockeyville,” echoed throughout the arena as the referee dropped a box of Kraft Dinner at the faceoff.

Kevin Doyle, a proud Titan spoke fondly of his hometown arena. “The rink is the heart of the community,” says Doyle. He explained that growing up in Tatamagouche means you’re bound to end up at the rink at some point. Doyle says the rink is a popular spot for youth to skate with their friends, play hockey, or, for the younger children, watch the big kids play the beloved sport. “I’ve always enjoyed walking to the rink, hearing the distinct sound of the ice plant start, and seeing the blue building in the distance,” he added. “The rink is my home, no one wants to lose their home.”

 “It isn’t just about winning $100,000. It’s about keeping the heartbeat and the centre of our community strong and thriving for many years to come. We want our children to grow up with the same wonderful memories at the NSRC that we did. It’s about hope and the future of our community,” said Emilly Hayman.

Hayman is the head coach for the NCHS girls’ hockey team, and a former Titan herself. “Hockey is a tradition, passed down from generation to generation and without NSRC we wouldn’t be able to keep that tradition alive.”

This is where you come in, Tatamagouche needs your votes to make it to the Top 2! Voting starts March 13th at 9:00am EST and ends March 14th at 11:59pm EST. Voting is open to legal Canadian residents, aged 13 and older.

With your help, the NSRC has a chance to win. Top prize is $100,000 for rink upgrades and a chance to host a pre-season NHL game. 2nd prize is $100,000 for rink upgrades. You can vote as many times as you want online at: http://khv2016.ca/en/

Vote Early, Vote Often, Vote Tatamagouche

­­­­­­­­­­­Kraft Hockeyville is an annual competition sponsored by Kraft Foods, the National Hockey League and the NHL Players' Association. Communities compete to demonstrate their passion for hockey. Over the past 10 years, Kraft Hockeyville has contributed over $2 million to 53 communities across Canada.