‘Overwhelmed’ and ‘grateful’ were the words used Saturday after the Town of Taber was named the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville champion following a nationwide show of support.
Town officials thanked not just their residents, but everyone across the country who voted for the town, saying the win reflects a strong sense of community that endured even after a devastating setback.
In December, the rink at the Taber Community Centre was closed following an expolosion.
READ MORE: Zamboni room explosion leaves Taber ice facilities closed
Communications manager for the Town, Meghan Brennan, said the moment the win was announced was emotional.
“This was done because of our community, for our community, and for our kids, and there are no words enough to describe how amazing this feels,” Brennan said. “To show our community pride, to show that despite the loss of the rink, we didn’t lose our spirit and we didn’t lose hockey. It’s part of our history and it will be part of our future.”
Brennan said the community is now focused on getting young players back on the ice.
READ MORE: Taber Community Centre explosion ‘not caused by human error’
The win is said to be not just about the title, but about the collective effort to rebuild a space that has long served as a hub for local families, players and fans.
READ MORE: Taber eyes Kraft Hockeyville win to aid arena rebuild
Mayor Andrew Prokop said the arena loss was a shock but brought the community together.
“It’s incredible all the way around. It’s a tragic event as we lost the arena and everything else that happened to the building at that time, and quite a shock for the whole community and area, for the whole region really,” Prokop said.
“Our community and area came together, and there was much help offered from other communities in the area that offered us rink space if needed.”
Prokop said the experience highlighted the importance of recreation and community.
“When there’s a need, community rallies around each other and comes together to do whatever we need to move forward,” Prokop said.
He added that while insurance will help, rebuilding will take time and resources.
Taber’s grand prize is $250,000 toward fixes at its arena, as well as the chance to host an NHL pre-season game.
A local youth hockey player affected by the loss of the arena, Madden, said the national support meant a great deal.
“I just can’t wait for the hockey game and my rink to get fixed,” Madden said.
He said his favourite part of the April 4 announcement event was, “Probably when everybody cheered when we won.”
“It was never just about hockey, but about home,” read the Town’s official statement.
Brennan said the town will not forget sharing the experience alongside Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which finished as runner-up. She praised the community’s effort and resilience.
