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As the Kraft Hockeyville deadline approaches, one Saskatchewan town says if it wins it won’t keep the money.
Kindersley has entered its West Central Events Centre into the national competition. If selected for the $250,000 grand prize, along with the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game, the town says it will donate the value of the prize money and any proceeds from the game to help rebuild the Dodsland Sports Centre, which was destroyed by fire this summer.
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“We are hoping to get our friends in Dodsland two chances to win,” said Anna Polsfut, communications co-ordinator for the Town of Kindersley.
Dodsland’s arena burned down earlier this year, leaving the small community without its rink, a loss that stretches well beyond hockey.
The Dodsland Sports Centre caught fire on July 18, 2025 causing major damage to the interior of the building. (Ryan Neumeier/submitted)
Kindersley understands that impact.
“In 2010, we lost one of our arenas to a fire,” Polsfut said. “We just want to help out our neighbours and hopefully they’re able to rebuild and bring hockey back to their community.”
For Polsfut, the memory is personal. She was 14 when Kindersley’s rink burned down and remembers how disruptive it was for young athletes.
“It’s our community hub,” she said. “Between the winter sports — the hockey and the skating and the curling — it’s also an event venue. We’ve hosted rodeos, concerts and weddings. It really is a community gathering place.”
An arena was destoyed by fire in Kindersley in 2010. (Town of Kindersley/Submitted)
After the fire, some families had to travel to neighbouring towns for practices. Others were unable to participate at all.
“It was very difficult for youth, in particular,” she said. “Some ended up having to drive to other towns for hockey practice, and some just couldn’t participate.”
The idea to pledge the Hockeyville prize was led by Kindersley’s Chief Administrative Officer Marty Baroni, and was quickly supported by council and administration.
Hockeyville winners receive $250,000 in arena upgrades and host an NHL exhibition game. While Kindersley’s facility has its own needs, including rink board replacements, Polsfut said council felt compelled to step up.
She described it as a “pay it forward” moment.
“We were helped when we needed it,” she said. “Now we’re on the same mission to help someone else.”
To improve the chances for both communities’ chances, Kindersley encourages residents to submit stories, photos and memories online. Community engagement plays a role in determining finalists.
The submission period runs until March 1, with results expected to be announced later this spring.
For Polsfut, the focus remains simple.
“It’s about bringing hockey back to their community,” she said.
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