Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have come through once again � providing enough online voting support to place Port aux Basques in the top five of the Kraft Hockeyville 2008 competition.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minster of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, today thanked Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for their voting efforts and encouraged them to keep supporting Port aux Basques into the next round, with online voting scheduled to begin on March 29 at //www.cbc.ca/hockeyville/.

"The Hockeyville 2008 competition searches for the Canadian community that best embodies the spirit of hockey and hometown pride � and Port aux Basques, with its long, enthusiastic hockey history, certainly meets the criteria," Minister Jackman said. "The $20,000 prize awarded for placement in the top five will no doubt be a boost to the Bruce II Arena, and all those who participate in the recreational activities which take place there."

Port aux Basques came out ahead of Rothesay, New Brunswick in a head-to-head online vote to become the Atlantic representative in the competition. The win brings them closer to the grand prize � hosting an NHL exhibition game next September, and $100,000 to be used for upgrading their home arena.

As a part of the competition, Hockey Night in Canada personalities Scott Oake and Kelly Hrudey will broadcast live from Port aux Basques this weekend.

Minister Jackman said Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can tune in to CBC television on Saturday night, March 8, to get a glimpse of the town�s excitement and the efforts they are making towards winning this competition.

Port aux Basques mayor Brian Button said he is thrilled with the top five placement, but still wants the town to take the top prize.

"The $20,000 prize money is a great award which will certainly be used by the town," Mayor Button said. "There is, however, a lot of excitement building throughout the community and we are setting our sights on the number one spot."

Kraft Hockeyville 2008 is sponsored by Kraft Canada, together with the CBC, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players� Association.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca