The gym at West Elgin Secondary School has been the scene of many celebrations, but none as big as Saturday night.
Most of the residents of West Lorne and surrounding area were jammed into the room when it was announced the community was crowned this year’s Kraft Hockeyville champion.
The community skated into the Final 4 of the competition and was pitted against Saint-Anselme, Quebec, Maple Ridge, B.C. and Ste. Anne, Manitoba.
All larger municipalities.
Co-chair of the local organizing committee, Jessica Small, describes her delayed reaction to the announcement.
In addition to the $250,000 prize, the Municipality of West Elgin is contributing $150,000 to help with renovations at the West Lorne arena.
That roar Saturday evening could be heard well beyond the confines of West Elgin Secondary School.
There were a few tears as well in memory of West Elgin Mayor Duncan McPhail who died shortly after West Lorne was announced as one of four finalists.
myFM spoke with Duncan’s wife Norma about the community coming together to go after the $250,000 prize.
The winning announcement Saturday, April 1 was also Duncan McPhail’s birthday. A fitting tribute to the popular mayor.
While pitted against much larger communities, people from well beyond the borders of West Lorne came together and did it for Duncan.
Norma said he would have been humbled by the outpouring of support.
Rodney resident Delany Leitch, who referred to herself as “a sideline cheerleader” noted initiative started within the hockey community and then the momentum quickly built far and wide.
Kevin Summers, president of West Lorne Comets minor hockey admits while the odds of winning seemed daunting, you have to go out there and challenge.
He adds representatives from Kraft Hockeyville will be in West Lorne this week to visit the arena and make arrangements.
Written by Ian McCallum
