Mitch Calvert
Fort Frances may be as hockey-crazed as any town in Canada, but it has yet to throw its name in the hat for CBC’s annual “Hockeyville” competition.
The grand prize-winning town receives $100,000 towards arena upgrades, an NHL pre-season game, and a visit from CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada.
The four runner-up communities receive $25,000 each for arena upgrades.
But despite these incentives, and a top 10 finish by Atikokan in the inaugural “Hockeyville” competition two years ago, Fort Frances has yet to make a bid.
“It’s been talked about at the council table that it would be nice to see, especially in light of what Atikokan was able to do,” said Fort Frances CAO and local minor hockey coach Mark McCaig. “We’ve got a new council and everything, but I’m pretty sure they’d be receptive to getting behind something which promotes the community.”
McCaig feels Fort Frances could make a good run in the competition, but needs local residents to step forward and get the ball rolling.
“If there was a group that was willing to spearhead an effort like that, then from the town’s perspective, we would get behind it in any way we can and offer our support,” McCaig noted. “But it’s something that has to come from the grassroots.”
CBC began accepting “Hockeyville” applications Nov. 1, with the deadline to enter being Dec. 6.
Entering only requires filling out an application form and submitting a short essay (up to 500 words), along with up to three supporting photos that depict their hometown passion for the game.
“I heard a rumour that some people from the local hockey community were looking at putting something forward,” McCaig said. “I think Fort Frances could do an excellent job, and I’m a hockey person, so anything that is brought forward I’m sure the town could provide any assistance that we can.”
Dave Egan, who helped organize “Duncan Keith Day” here back in July, is said to be part of that group, but the bid is still in its early stages and Egan was pretty tight-lipped for now.
“It’s certainly been given serious consideration, but it would have to be community-wide involvement,” Egan admitted.
McCaig said he’d likely be willing to be personally involved with the group—if and when it gets off the ground.
“I think that might be something I’d be interested in,” he remarked.
“I’m not looking to be the No. 1 facilitator of it, but yeah, I’ve been involved with things in the past like the Ice for Kids committee, and anything to promote hockey within the town is a good thing.”
