By Rosalind Russell – Hockey fans will still be able to watch the NHL Kraft Hockeyville Exhibition Game won by the City of Elliot Lake, but the city’s interim CAO says not in Elliot Lake.
Interim CAO Rob deBortoli says even if the arena was functional, it would not have been played there, since the Centennial Arena does not have the capacity to host such an event.
He says the repairs continue within the facility but is unlikely to reopen before the NOJHL hockey season begins, so hockey and other activities will be held at other arenas including Massey.
The game and $250,000 in upgrades to Centennial Arena, was the prize package the city received as winners of 2024 Kraft Hockeyville in March.
He adds besides the capacity issue, there is not enough required accommodations in the city to house two professional teams with only one main hotel available.
deBortoli says he believes the tickets will not be for sale but rather will be allotted appropriately according to the information he has been provided with.
That said, he says the game will likely take place in Sault Ste. Marie or Sudbury.
That decision is expected soon since the game is set for September 29th.
The city still plans a local celebration at Collins Hall on September 27th to mark the special occasion.
Photo provided