Calumet named Kraft Hockeyville USA 2019

Together with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), Kraft Heinz is excited to announce Calumet Colosseum in Calumet, Michigan as the winner of Kraft Hockeyville™ USA 2019. Calumet Colosseum will have the opportunity to host an NHL Pre-Season Game, will be awarded $150,000 in rink upgrades and will receive $10,000 worth of new equipment from the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund. 

After weeks of rallying and online voting, Calumet Colosseum and its supporters showed unrivaled enthusiasm and spirit, proving why they are the most passionate hockey community in America. Ever since opening its doors in 1913, countless memories have been forged in this small, blue-collar town in the middle of Copper Country. Calumet Colosseum is the oldest in-use indoor ice arena in the world and residents look forward to implementing the upgrades needed to keep the Colosseum thriving for years to come.

"Community support is pivotal in this competition and Calumet Colosseum showed the passion and determination of a true champion," said Magen Hanrahan, vice president of media and marketing services at Kraft Heinz. "Calumet Colosseum is an inspiration to local hockey communities across America, and we're excited to celebrate with them later this year." 

The runner-up, Eagle River Sports Arena in Eagle River, Wisconsin will receive $30,000 to use toward rink upgrades, while the Wexford County Civic Center in Cadillac, Michigan and Bernicks Pepsi Arena in Sartell, Minnesota will each receive $10,000 toward rink upgrades. In addition to rink upgrades from Kraft Heinz, each rink will be awarded $10,000 worth of new hockey equipment on behalf of the NHLPA Goals & Dreams fund. 

"Congratulations to Calumet Colosseum for this tremendous recognition," said Brian Jennings, NHL chief branding officer and executive vice president. "Kraft Hockeyville USA is a celebration that demonstrates how a local ice rink can be the nucleus of a community when it has the full support of its youth hockey players, coaches, parents and volunteers. We commend the community of Calumet for its commitment to the growth of hockey."

"Bringing the NHL game into passionate hockey communities around the United States is something we are extremely proud to continue to do, in partnership with Kraft Heinz and the NHL," said Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA special assistant to the executive director. "We know that Calumet will be an incredible host for Kraft    Hockeyville USA and like in years past, the players will be excited to hit the ice and share in the celebration with the entire hockey community in Calumet, Michigan."

For complete contest rules, voting information, and program details, visit www.KraftHockeyville.com. KraftHockeyvilleTM USA 2019 can also be found on Facebook (KraftHockeyvilleUSA), Twitter(@HockeyvilleUSA), and Instagram (KraftHockeyvilleUSA). Fans can join the conversation using #HockeyvilleUSA.

Press release originally posted at https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-hockeyville-usa-winner-calumet-michigan/c-306316750