Martensville, Sask., named finalist in Hockeyville rink revamp contest

The Martensville Sports Centre is in the running for a snazzy rink makeover.

The facility has made it to the top 10in this year's KraftHockeyvillecompetition, where the winnergets to host an NHL pre-season game and receives $100,000 in arena upgrades.

Thefinalists were revealed this weekend with the Martensville rink being the only one in Saskatchewan.

Todd Devonshire was behind the nomination and explained on the contest's website why the rink deserves the win.

He said ithas been the heart of the community in winter since openingin 1984.

"All you have to do is drive by the Martensville Arena to see what's happening. Dads are carrying the kids'hockey equipment into the arena. Moms are cheering for their son or daughter to skate hard," Devonshire explained on the website.

"Grandparents are buying rink burgers and fries for everyone while they watch the game."

He said that the community is growing which means more teams are using the facilities, resulting in more wear and tear each year. In 2007 there were 223 kids registered for hockey but this year there are more than400.

That means there is also a larger demand for ice-time, and Devonshire said many are travelling to othercommunities to skate. Devonshire said a second ice surface is desperately needed.

Chance to host NHL pre-season game

If the town wins, the opportunity to host NHL teams would also be a treat.

"It's the chance to high five an NHL star as they step on the ice in Martensville, or bang on the Plexiglass when an NHL player puts a goal in the same net as they do," Devonshire wrote on the website. "You simply cannot put a dollar figure on that."

Starting on March 13, people across Canada can vote online. The final voting phase ends on March 21 and the grand prize winner is announced on April 2.

This yearthere were nearly 3,200 nominations for Hockeyville.