The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Town of Conception Bay South Wins Kraft Hockeyville 2011

I rise in this Honourable House today not only as the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for Conception Bay South, but as a proud citizen of this province, to congratulate the Town of Conception Bay South for winning the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2011.

The town’s successful campaign paid off this past weekend during Saturday’s CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, when the town was named the grand prize winner.

I think it is safe to say that hockey in Newfoundland and Labrador is a household commodity for many, so to see a community from this province come out on top and win this popular contest is simply terrific.

The Kraft Hockeyville competition was established in 2006 as a community-driven contest that searches for the Canadian community that embodies the spirit of hockey and hometown pride. This is the second time a community from the Atlantic Region has won this title. Salmon River, Nova Scotia, was the inaugural winner. Port aux Basques, Harbour Grace and Bishop's Falls have made it to the top five in previous competitions.

The Town of Conception Bay South will now be awarded $100,000 to be used for upgrading of the Robert French Memorial Stadium. The town will also host a National Hockey League pre-season game and a CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast.

I would like to thank the organizing committee for their tireless and dedicated efforts and for providing the country with a wonderful and fitting profile of the community. Their hard work is sincerely appreciated and clearly paid off. I would also like to thank those who took the time to vote for the town; the residents of Conception Bay South, other Newfoundlanders and Labradorians – both at home and abroad, and Canadian supporters throughout the country.

I invite my colleagues to join me in a round of applause to congratulate the Town of Conception Bay South as they celebrate this great achievement not only for their community but for the province as a whole.

2011 04 04             1:45 p.m.