Blackstock’s Hockeyville run ends short of national final, community still scores big

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: The dream of a national title came to an end for Blackstock, on Saturday night, but the pride and momentum built, through the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville campaign, will carry on, long after the final votes counted.

During the live broadcast, on the evening of Saturday, March 21st, it was announced, Taber and Tumbler Ridge had been selected as the Top two communities in this year’s competition, leaving Blackstock just outside the final round.

Despite the result, Blackstock was awarded $50,000, as Ontario’s provincial winner, along with an additional $10,000 in prizing, funds which will go toward upgrades at the historic Blackstock Recreation Complex, which has been part of the community since 1933.

The outcome brought a mix of disappointment and pride throughout the community which had rallied for months behind its arena, with widespread support, creative submissions, and a strong online voting push.

Scugog Mayor Wilma Wotten acknowledged those emotions in a statement following the announcement.

“I know the disappointment is very real, and I am sad Blackstock did not make it to the final round, in the Kraft Hockeyville competition,” she said. “I am so incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts to try to get us there. Maybe we fell short, but we have shown each other, we are a strong passionate group of people.”

Mayor Wotten emphasized, being chosen to represent Ontario on the national stage is an achievement in itself.

“The fact we were selected as the arena for Ontario speaks volumes,” she added. “We are richer by $50,000 plus $10,000 financially. But your spirit and drive far exceed the financial achievement, and I have every confidence the community’s goal for the arena will be achieved. Be proud.”

That sense of pride was echoed by local organizers and volunteers, who helped power the campaign from the grassroots level.

Mike Blakey, vice-chair of the Blackstock Minor Hockey League, said, the experience brought the community together in a way which went far beyond the competition.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed, not to be in the final two, but what this community accomplished over the past few months is incredible,” said Mr. Blakey. “From the volunteers to the families, the kids, and local businesses, everyone stepped up. The support for our arena and our minor hockey program has never been stronger.”

Mr. Blakey added, the funding secured through the contest will make a meaningful impact.

“That $50,000 is going to go a long way toward improvements which will benefit our players and families for years to come,” he said. “More importantly, we’ve built something here, in terms of community pride and engagement, which doesn’t just disappear because the contest is over.”

Blackstock’s campaign highlighted the arena’s deep roots and importance, as a gathering place for generations of residents, drawing attention from across Ontario and beyond.

While the Hockeyville title will be decided between Taber and Tumbler Ridge, Blackstock’s run has already left a lasting legacy, one defined not by the final standings, but by the strength of a community which came together around the game it loves.