The Arborg & District Arena is calling on residents to rally together and help put the community in the national spotlight as it competes to become Canada’s next Kraft Hockeyville.
The campaign invites people to share what the arena means to them and how it has shaped community life in Arborg and the surrounding district. From early-morning practices to late-night tournaments, organizers say the arena has long served as a gathering place where friendships are formed, volunteers step up and local pride is on full display.
Arena board chair Tom Chwaliboga said the timing of the Kraft Hockeyville 2026 contest could not be better, as the facility faces mounting challenges tied to aging infrastructure.
“Components of the existing ice plant are now 15 to 20 years past their life expectancy,” Chwaliboga said, noting replacement costs are estimated between $300,000 and $500,000. While several parts of the ice plant have been upgraded or repaired in recent years, he said the most significant components are now due for replacement.
The arena serves hundreds of users each season, including minor hockey, rec hockey, figure skating, learn-to-skate programs, public skating, local schools and the Ice Dawgs junior hockey club. Chwaliboga said its impact reaches far beyond sport.
“There is no other place in the community where you can have 20 people sitting in a dressing room and see 10 to 12 different ethnic groups together,” he said. “The arena is a melting pot for newcomers and families to connect.”
Built by volunteers, the Arborg & District Arena continues to rely heavily on volunteerism, which Chwaliboga described as the heartbeat of the facility. Coaches, managers and families staffing the canteen, along with year-round fundraising efforts, help keep registration fees affordable and cover minor repairs.
“There are always challenges with aging infrastructure,” he said. “A new ice plant would reduce maintenance costs, improve efficiency and provide better ice for all user groups.”
Winning Kraft Hockeyville would provide $250,000 toward arena upgrades, helping ensure the facility can continue serving the region for decades. Chwaliboga said the investment would position the arena to meet community needs for the next 25 years.
“Our community is wonderful in supporting different community groups and organizations and always comes together to help each other,” he said. “The Kraft Hockeyville contest will be no different. Young and old alike will come together to take Arborg to the finish line.”
The Kraft Hockeyville program is open to legal residents of Canada aged 14 and older. Entries and community stories can be submitted online between Jan. 1 and March 1, 2026, with judging and public voting determining the winners. In addition to the top prize, the competition also awards one $100,000 community prize and 11 additional $50,000 prizes for arena improvements across Canada.
Residents are encouraged to share their stories and show their support by visiting hockeyville.kraftheinz.com/community/arborgdistrictarena. Full contest details and official rules are available at krafthockeyville.ca.
