Tumbler Ridge Raptors invite police to skate-off as district awaits Kraft Hockeyville result

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Local youngsters in Tumbler Ridge had a skate-off with members of the town’s RCMP detachment after the district was named a finalist for Kraft Hockeyville. 

According to a press release, members of the Tumbler Ridge Minor Hockey Association invited police officers for a skate-off and slap shot competition with its Raptors on Friday, March 27th.

Staff Sergeant Ed deJong laced up a pair of skates as players ages seven to 17 were timed by fellow police officers, who brought a radar gun to clock shot speeds.

“It was inspiring to watch the youth of Tumbler Ridge continue to show up with strength, resilience and determination,” said deJong. 

The community is still recovering from a deadly shooting in February which saw nine people, including the assailant, dead. 

“It was an honour to skate with the Raptors, and I appreciated that they didn’t give me too hard a time,” deJong added. “They skated circles around me.”

The district saw a late nomination into Kraft Hockeyville surge it to B.C. provincial champion in the competition, which is run by the National Hockey League (NHL), its players’ association and Kraft Heinz to recognize community arenas around Canada.

The district received $50,000 for arena upgrades as a result. The national winning entry will get $250,000 toward arena upgrades and the right to host an NHL pre-season game at its arena.

Voting between the two finalists, which are Tumbler Ridge and the Taber Community Centre in Taber, Alberta, opens on Friday, April 3rd. 

The winner of Kraft Hockeyville will be announced on Saturday, April 4th. Visit Kraft Hockeyville’s website for more information.