Kraft Hockeyville is coming to Alberta.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced on Hockey Night in Canada that Taber, Alta., has been awarded the $250,000 in funding to upgrade the community arena after a nationwide vote.
Taber also has a chance to host an NHL pre-season game as part of the festivities.
Residents of Taber lost their only two ice rinks after a Zamboni explosion. The repairs to rebuild the two rinks are expected to cost about $11 million.
The town said propane leaking from the Zamboni led to the explosion, after a nearby heater ignited the gas. A fireball caused extensive damage, including shattered glass, a damaged roof and toppled concrete walls.
Taber beat out Tumbler Ridge, B.C., who will also receive $100,000 for ice rink upgrades.
The rural town in Eastern B.C. is reeling following a mass shooting on Feb. 10 that left eight dead, including 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield, who played hockey with the Tumbler Ridge Raptors.
— With files from Canadian Press
