The SLS Centre and the Town of Cochrane announced that Cochrane has been selected as one of the final top four communities for Kraft Hockeyville 2024.
Cochrane alongside three other communities are all competing to win a grand prize of $250,000 and the chance to host an NHL pre-season game. Prize funds would be used towards upgrading the Cochrane Arena, better known as ‘The Old Barn,’ which will turn 50 years old this year.
The Cochrane Arena is operated by the non-profit society, the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society (SSRPS), on behalf of the town of Cochrane and Rocky View Count.
It was built in 1974, when the town’s population was roughly 1,400 people. In 2009. The most recent arena was constructed at the SLS Centre when the town’s population was about 14,000.
Today, Cochrane is nearly at 40,000 residents. With no immediate plans for another arena, the SLS Centre outlines that it is critical that the Cochrane Arena is maintained and remains operations.
If Cochrane wins the competition, all funds would be used to upgrade the guest experience areas such as dressing rooms, washrooms, and general seating.
Support for Cochrane in the initial stages of Hockeyville was nothing short of overwhelming from the several displays of the community’s commitment, passion, and spirit for hockey and the Cochrane Arena.
Mayor Jeff Genung said that Cochrane should be extremely proud to have been selected as one of the final four communities for Hockeyville.
“This arena is so special to our community and to have the opportunity to see it showcased on the national stage is very exciting. I, myself, learned to skate there,” Genung said. “To win Kraft Hockeyville would be amazing and would allow us to continue to come together in sport in this cherished arena.
“Let's win this, Cochrane!”
CEO of the SLS Centre, Erin Wagner, shared the same sentiment as Genung, adding that he would like to express gratitude to all of Cochrane for their commitment and efforts though the first stage of the competition.
“I look forward to seeing Cochrane showcase its unmatched community spirit in this final voting period to secure these much-needed funds for our Old Barn, Cochrane Arena,” Wagner said.
The next stage of the Kraft Hockeyville competition will focus on rallying Cochranites to vote for Cochrane to win. The voting period will start on Mar. 29 at 7 a.m. MST until Mar. 30 at 3 p.m. MST.
