Sports

Last Updated on Monday, 29 May 2017 21:43

Kraft Heinz is excited to announce The Rostraver Ice Garden in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, is the winner of Kraft Hockeyville™ USA 2017.

After weeks of online voting, Belle Vernon demonstrated unrivaled enthusiasm and pride, and proved they are the most passionate hockey community in America. The Kraft Hockeyville™ USA contest, now in its third year of partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL®) and the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA), is awarding $150,000 in arena upgrades to The Rostraver Ice Garden and the opportunity to host an NHL® pre-season game between the Pittsburgh Penguins® and St. Louis Blues® televised live on NBCSN.

The Rostraver Ice Garden, which first opened in 1965 and hosted the Penguins training camp in the 1970s, had its roof collapse nearly seven years ago because of heavy snow. The collapse caused damage to nearly 1/3 of the structure and the rink has been in need of renovations ever since. After being awarded Kraft Hockeyville™ USA 2017, The Rostraver Ice Garden plans to use the prize money for a number of projects, including purchasing a compressor, floor matting in the lobby, pipes and LED lighting.

"After tallying millions of votes, we're thrilled to name Belle Vernon as Kraft Hockeyville™ USA 2017," said Nina Barton, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Kraft Heinz. "When we brought Kraft Hockeyville to the U.S. three years ago, we set out to help improve local rinks and unite hockey communities across the country under a common interest, passion and sense of pride. Johnstown and Marquette have been excellent stewards of that purpose, and we can't wait to see how Belle Vernon brings their new title to life."
Belle Vernon was just one of the more than 1,300 communities across the country - accounting for nearly 73% of rinks nationwide - that submitted stories demonstrating their community's passion for hockey. The runner-up, Bloomington Ice Garden, Bloomington, Minnesota, will receive $75,000 to use toward arena upgrades.

"Each year, Kraft Hockeyville™ USA puts a spotlight on the importance of local ice rinks to communities all across the country," NHL Chief Brand Officer and Executive Vice President Brian Jennings said. "Community support is crucial to the growth of hockey and Kraft's commitment to this program is making a significant impact. Congratulations to Belle Vernon and to all of this year's Kraft Hockeyville™ USA participants."