Landing a spot in the top 4 of the Kraft Hockeyville competition was “absolutely incredible”, according to the president of the Sackville Minor Hockey Association.

Rob Nurnbur tells our newsroom the Sackville Arena was up against hundreds of other communities across Canada.

The finalists were announced Saturday during Hockey Night in Canada and Nurnbur says there were definitely butterflies as Ron MacLean went from west to east.

“As they announced the arena in western Canada, Ontario and then Quebec… and then at the moment…you know, you’re on the edge of your seat, because the last one is hopefully going to be the Atlantic Canadian representative.”

Nurnbur says they would have been really happy to hear any of the other communities here in Atlantic Canada, but to hear the Sackville Arena caused “complete jubilation”.

“A lot of hugs between myself and the others on our committee as well.”

He adds, there was so much time and effort that went into it behind the scenes that they already feel like winners considering how the process has brought the hockey community together.

The process

Nurnbur says he put the call out in 2023 and then formed a Hockeyville committee about a year ago.

He says, since there have been a lot of meetings, planning and different events that were held.

“Of course, our big rally was one of the big ones as well. There was certainly a lot that led up to it.”

Nurnbur adds, people took time out of their day to share their stories.

“It’s not just that hockey component, but all of the great things that come for our youth in our community that allow them to develop as individuals, as well as people. And prepare them for life later on.”

Next steps

What comes next in the process for the Sackville league, Nurnbur says, is significant.

He says, they plan on reaching out to their friends across the Atlantic provinces for support.

“Now that we are the only community left in the Atlantic region for this year’s winner, we really feel strongly like we can get a lot of support from our Atlantic Canadian colleagues across the Atlantic provinces.”

He adds, they will also likely have a parade but are still working out the details.

“We’re going to ask all of our minor hockey teams to wear their jerseys and kind of walk the route with maybe a few floats.”

Voting will open April 4 and 5.