Elliot Lake Is Kraft Hockeyville
Elliot Lake was officially declared as the recipient of the Kraft Hockeyville title in March 2024.
With the Centennial Arena having closed in September 2023 due to structural concerns, the community successfully rallied around the national Kraft Hockeyville competition, with residents, businesses, organizations, and volunteers sharing stories and building support for the arena’s restoration.
The Hockeyville win renewed Elliot Lake’s determination to bring the arena back to life with major fundraising efforts and contributions from the community and our supporters. Following successful repairs, the arena reopened in September 2026 as Rogers Arena, beginning a new chapter in its legacy as a gathering place for hockey, recreation, and community pride.
Community Celebration
Elliot Lake marked its Kraft Hockeyville 2024 victory with a spirited community celebration at the Collins Hall Centre on September 27, 2024. The afternoon and evening featured family activities such as face painting, ball hockey, and a lively mascot dance-off, alongside live music and entertainment. A barbecue fundraiser added to the festivities, with proceeds directed toward the much-needed repairs of Centennial Arena.
A highlight of the event was the presence of the Stanley Cup, giving residents a rare chance to see hockey’s most iconic trophy up close. Former NHL players Andrew Ference and Bryan Trottier added to the excitement, meeting fans, signing autographs, and sharing in the pride of Elliot Lake’s accomplishment. The event captured the spirit of Hockeyville—bringing the community together in recognition of its resilience, teamwork, and deep love for the game.
Game Day
As part of Elliot Lake’s Kraft Hockeyville 2024 celebration, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ottawa Senators held a practice and pre-season game on September 29, 2024, at the Sudbury Community Arena. With Centennial Arena closed for repairs, the nearby facility hosted the City’s NHL festivities, bringing professional hockey action to Northern Ontario.
The Penguins roster featured major players including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Bryan Rust, while goaltender Tristan Jarry also took part. The Senators were represented by key players such as Thomas Chabot and Claude Giroux. In front of an excited crowd, the Penguins edged out the Senators with a 5–2 victory.
