The Town of Bentley is throwing an all-day party leading up to the naming of Hockeyville on Saturday.
People will can take part in various celebrations prior to CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada announcing which of the top five communities will be crowned Kraft Hockeyville this year. Other competitors are Alan Sheppard Arena, Mackenzie (Pacific region), Wolfe Island Arena, Wolfe Island (Ontario), Arena Saint Raymond, Saint Raymond (Quebec) and Robert French Memorial, Conception Bay South (Atlantic).
Winning the title includes hosting an NHL preseason game in the community arena, a Hockey Night in Canada broadcast and $100,000 in arena upgrades from Kraft.
As a finalist, Bentley has already won $25,000 in upgrades.
Bentley’s schedule of events Saturday is:
• 10 a.m. to noon — Sunset Hills Riding Club pancake breakfast in front of Bentley Arena. $2 per person.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Bentley Arena hosts Hockeyville Skills Clinic and will feature NHL alumnae Perry Turnbull, Clayton Beddoes and local coaches.
• 1 to 2 p.m. — Kraft family skate inside Bentley Arena.
• 1 to 2 p.m. — Best dressed vehicle contest with the theme “Kraft Hockeyville and Bentley Generals.” Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed vehicle. Location inside the Blindman Valley Ag Centre parking lot.
• 2 to 3 p.m. — Decorated vehicle convoy to Red Deer led by RCMP.
• 3 to 5:30 p.m. — Hockeyville tailgate party at the parking lot of the Red Deer Arena. Alberta Beef Association, Bob Ronnie Catering and Kraft Canada are sponsoring a $2 beef on a bun.
• 3:30 to 5 p.m. — Red Deer Arena hosts sledge hockey Alberta exhibition, featuring NHL alumnae Perry Turnbull and Alberta Sledge Hockey members.
• 6 to 7 p.m. — Pre-game and entry to arena for McKenzie Cup game at Red Deer Arena.
• 7 to 10 p.m. — McKenzie Cup senior hockey playoff game No. 3 between the Bentley Generals and the Fort St. John Flyers at the Red Deer Arena. Regular admission fees apply.
• About 8:45 p.m. — Kraft Hockeyville 2011 winner announced live during the CBC broadcast of the first intermission of the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks game.
Red Deer Arena will be watched for live audience reaction.
• Amooza Minute to Win It games throughout the day in both Bentley and Red Deer.