Kraft Heinz Canada, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL) and the National Hockey Players’ Association (NHLPA), has opened nominations for Kraft Hockeyville 2022. Nominations close April 3, at 11:59 pm EST.

The Canadian game has a major impact on communities, and according to the Kraft Hockeyville Community Hockey Survey, 85 percent of Canadians agree that hockey is the catalyst to bring communities together. The survey also stated that the pandemic has negatively impacted the community connection that the game creates.

Canadians have struggled to stay on the ice while working together to curb the spread of COVID-19. Kraft Hockeyville stated that it remains determined to make sure the national sport continues to fuel the passion Canadians have for hockey from coast to coast. Kraft Hockeyville has partnered with three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Marie-Philip Poulin for this years’ event.

“There’s no way around it, this year's Olympic experience was unique. But even though there weren’t many fans in the stands, our team was invigorated by our love for the game – a love that, for many of us, started as kids the moment we hit the ice at our community rink,” says Poulin. “Hockey in my community instilled a sense of belonging in me and allowed me to make lifelong connections. The benefits are endless, and that's why all Canadians should have access and opportunity to play. Nobody should be left out.”

The Survey put on by Kraft Hockeyville found that other than being a source of physical activity, Canadians see hockey as an important way for children to build social skills and teamwork while also improving mental wellbeing. The survey also showed that almost three-quarters of Canadians believe that hockey would improve if the sport were more inclusive of different genders, races, cultures and economic backgrounds and accessibility needs.

“Over the years, participating Kraft Hockeyville communities have shown us just how important breaking down barriers and encouraging access and participation in hockey is to the overall growth of the game,” says Matt Bruce, Senior Brand Manager, Kraft Heinz Canada. “The arena has, and always will be, the foundation of the game – and our goal is to help make that space inclusive and accessible for all members of the communities.”

Kraft Hockeyville stated that it is determined to invest in the future of hockey, and has awarded $4.1 million to 89 communities to address the growing costs of aging sports and recreation infrastructure in Canada.

Kraft Hockeyville asks that those looking to nominate their community and arena should submit their story here before April 3. The 2022 grand prize winner will have an opportunity to host an NHL preseason game and receive $250,000 to be used towards arena upgrades, as well as the coveted title of Kraft Hockeyville 2022. This year’s winner and each of the three-runner-up communities will also receive $10,000 to purchase new hockey equipment for their minor hockey programs.