The mayor of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., isn’t pretending that coming in second place in this year’s Kraft Hockeyville contest was the outcome anyone was hoping for—but says the community still had a reason to pop confetti canons at the local rink Saturday. The grand prize went to Taber, Alta., earning the town $250,000 for arena upgrades and the opportunity to host a pre-season NHL game next year. And while the B.C. community won’t be hosting any professional hockey games, it’s still won a total of $150,000 for arena upgrades and $10,000 in new equipment. Voters in British Columbia and beyond rallied behind the northeastern mountain community, which is still reeling from a mass shooting earlier this year. Mayor Darryl Krakowka, speaking to CTV News Sunday, said coming together at the arena as part of the Hockeyville contest has given people something to look forward to. “I think was really important to see the children hyped up, children talking about something totally different and excited about it,” he said. “That’s needed for those children and youth, but also for our adults.” Krakowka said he and his colleagues on council made a friendly wager ahead of the results being announced. Given his community’s second-place finish—he said he and his colleagues on council will have to wear Alberta jerseys at one of their upcoming public meetings. “We can’t take it away from Taber,” the mayor said. “Would we have loved to win in Tumbler Ridge? Absolutely. There is no question there.” One thing Krakowka said the two towns have in common is that hockey is at the heart of both communities, and the arenas are vital hubs. While plans for upgrading the facilities have yet to be made, the various groups that use the arena will be consulted—including hockey teams, figure skaters and “the old timers.” Increasing accessibility, upgrading the sound system and renovating change rooms are a few possibilities the mayor said have been mentioned. “I’m telling you right now, we’re still winners,” Krakowka said. “There’s no question in my mind.”
