West Lorne Kraft Hockeyville 2023 

 A chorus of  'Go Comets, Go' erupts in to a deafening celebration of cheers  

 as the rural community in western Elgin County wins grand prize

 April 2, 2023

By Rob J. Ross 

WEST LORNE, Ont. - West Lorne is Kraft Hockeyville 2023.

A packed gym of 300 hundred plus people at West Elgin secondary school, already buzzing with cheers of 'Go Comets Go' and pounding of thunder sticks, erupted when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the winner, West Lorne.

"I can't put anything into words. We are so excited. We're crying. We're screaming. This is a big moment. It's huge for West Lorne," said Jessica Small, co-chair of the organizing committee, moments after the announcement. "We've worked really hard and it goes to show the smallest town can win. I knew we had a chance, but I'm still in shock."

With the votes in, the West Elgin community captures the grand prize of $250,000 in arena upgrades, $10,000 worth of new hockey equipment, courtesy of the NHL Player's Association Goals and Dreams fund, the opportunity to host a NHL exhibition game and of course the title of Kraft Hockeyville.

"I was very nervous leading up to it. I can't believe it. I'm blown away," said Kevin Summers, West Lorne minor hockey president. "It's an amazing experience for the community. It's been incredible to bring all of us together. The kids. They were so pumped up. Saw a lot of tears. I had kids coming up to me I don't really know, hugging me and saying great job, thanks."

The funds will help with a range of projects at the West Lorne Arena, including a new front entrance, upgrading dressing rooms to accommodate more players and an expanded warm room for families and fans.

It is a momentous win for the municipalities of West Elgin and Dutton-Dunwich, that includes the towns of West Lorne, Rodney and Dutton.

Mary Jo Tait and Jessica Small, co-chairs of the West Lorne organizing committee, submitted the original bid for Hockeyville 2023. (photo / Rob J. Ross)

"Everyone has come together and we saw the reward," said Mary Jo Tait, co-chair with Small. "We saw what we can do and how far we can reach. We were seeing people from all over rooting for us. It's so incredible. I hope everyone feels and understands what we can accomplish."

The municipality of West Elgin announced an additional $150,000 towards arena upgrades.

"We've been waiting for a moment like this to bring these three communities together and this is that moment," West Elgin deputy mayor Bill Denning said. "West Elgin has a whole bunch of new, amazing leaders in the community. The volunteers who have put this all together have shone and they have really inspired the whole community to bond together like no other time."

West Elgin mayor Duncan McPhail, a supporter of Hockeyville, who sadly passed away in early March, is likely smiling down on his community.

Among a deafening crowd watching the big screen for the result, Tait only needed to see one letter.

"I was standing with Jess and I'm like, is this really happening. Then I just saw the W," said Tait. "It's so incredible. It'll be surreal for a couple of days."

The enthusiasm and support for Hockeyville over the past month spread throughout the communities of West Lorne, Dutton and Rodney and beyond, including Comets alumni Bo Horvat, currently with the New York Islanders.

"You drive through our towns and you see the support," Summers said. "The fact that we won shows you how much support we had. Thank you to everybody. Thank you to everybody that shared our story and everybody that pushed the button. Thank you, so much."

West Lorne will host the annual Hockeyville festivities later this year. Participating teams and details of the game are still to be announced. Still to be determined is if the exhibition game can be played in West Lorne, due to the ice surface not meeting NHL standards and size.

NHL officials visit West Lorne this week.

The enthusiasm and support for Hockeyville over the past month spread throughout the communities of West Lorne, Dutton and Rodney and beyond, including Comets alumni Bo Horvat, currently with the New York Islanders.

"You drive through our towns and you see the support," Summers said. "The fact that we won shows you how much support we had. Thank you to everybody. Thank you to everybody that shared our story and everybody that pushed the button. Thank you, so much."

West Lorne will host the annual Hockeyville festivities later this year. Participating teams and details of the game are still to be announced. Also to be determined, if the exhibition game can be played at the West Elgin arena, due to the ice surface not meeting NHL standards and size.

NHL officials visit West Lorne this week.