Ste Anne falls short in Hockeyville bid

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This article was published 06/04/2023 (814 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced West Lorne, Ont. would be named as Kraft Hockeyville for 2023, the crowd gathered at the Maurice Chaput Arena in Ste Anne let out cries of anguish. The community was one of four finalists to win a $250,000 grant and the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.

A crowd of over 150 people had packed into the arena’s lobby to watch the results be announced live on Hockey Night in Canada April 1, with many donning Ste Anne Aces jerseys. Several younger fans were brought to tears after the announcement was made.
The town’s recreation services manager, Sarah Normandeau, was front and centre throughout the day, urging people to vote for Ste Anne to become the first Manitoba town to earn the hockeyville title.

“It’s sad, but what killed me was seeing these kids crying afterword,” Normandeau said as the crowd slowly dispersed from the arena.

“I never knew our community could rally like this, I never knew that we could, for lack of better words, rise from the ashes and all come together for such a huge cause and such a common goal.”

After the results were announced, Normandeau gave a short speech to the crowd with the assistance of a bullhorn, thanking everyone who voted, committing to opening the arena next hockey season. Repairs are urgently needed in the Ste Anne arena, with an aging ice plant on its last legs.

“This arena is not going to close, this arena is not done, the Aces are going to go strong,” Normandeau yelled to a cheering crowd.

By being named one of four finalists for the grand prize, Ste Anne won $25,000 for arena upgrades and $10,000 in new hockey equipment for the minor hockey program. The cost to fix the ice plant is just over $300,000.

“I have no doubt in my mind after seeing this community rally, that we can raise those funds ourselves,” Normandeau said.

“We don’t need to depend on Hockeyville funds. Yes, it would have been fantastic to win, I’m not going to sugar-coat that, but I think if we raise (the money) ourselves it’s going to mean more.”

The rally had a fantastic turnout, with minor hockey games, cotton candy and other food vendors and even special appearances by the Winnipeg Jets mascots Benny and Mick E. Moose.

“I’m so proud of the community,” Normandeau said.

“Yes, we’re allowed to be disappointed, we’re allowed to show our feelings… we’re allowed to have a fall. But it matters how you pick yourself up after.”

While the hockeyville title may be out of reach for Ste Anne, the senior Aces are not done. They are set to play the Miniota/Elkhorn C-Hawks in the Manitoba senior hockey provincial championships.