COURTENAY, B.C. – The Comox Valley Glacier Kings organization is rejoicing, after securing funds for a long awaited new dressing room.
One of the team’s owners, Masha Webb, told the MyComoxValleyNow.com newsroom that they requested funds in trust from Kraft Hockeyville and the “yes vote” was unanimous.
Courtenay city councilor Manno Theos congratulated the Glacier Kings organization at council’s May 22 meeting.
Kraft Hockeyville hosts a competition each year for a Canadian city to win funding to go towards arena upgrades, and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.
The City of Courtenay was nominated and cracked the top ten during the 2017 competition, but was unable to claim the top prize.
Last year’s winner was the town of O’Leary, Prince Edward Island. O’Leary hosted an NHL pre-season game between the New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators, in addition to receiving $100,00 for local arena upgrades.
Ituna, Saskatchewan was the runner-up, and received $100,00 as well for arena work. As per the rules of the competition, the remaining eight communities receive $25,000 towards improvements to their local arena.
“Of course we are very excited as this will help us tremendously to level the playing field in terms of recruiting. As well, it will help our players to feel that the community cares about the team. This project is a community asset and will be on loan to the team,” Webb said.
Constructions plans and an official announcement from the team are forthcoming.