Burlington’s Central Arena vying for the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville selection

By Gazette Staff

January 12th, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

For nearly six decades, Central Recreation Centre (Central Arena) has been more than just a rink—it’s been the beating heart of Burlington’s sporting and recreational spirit. Built in 1968, this iconic venue has witnessed generations of hockey dreams, lacrosse glory, figure skating triumphs, and unforgettable community moments. It’s where the city’s biggest crowds have cheered, where legends like Wayne Gretzky skated as a nine-year-old prodigy during the 1970 Golden Horseshoe Tournament, and where music icons like The Ramones and Gordon Lightfoot electrified audiences in the ’70s.

Boys in a van on the way to a hockey game in London use the time to log in and click, click, click.

Now, Burlington has the chance to write the next chapter in Central Arena’s storied history by making it Canada’s next Kraft Hockeyville. Winning would mean hosting an NHL pre-season game and $250,000 to be used towards repairs or modest upgrades.

Central Arena isn’t just bricks and boards—it’s memories frozen in time and a year-round hub for many activities. It’s the sound of skates carving fresh ice, the roar of fans during championship games, and the laughter of families at community events. This is our chance to celebrate those stories and share them with the country.

How You Can Help 

The Kraft Hockeyville competition begins with the Nomination and Rally phase, where communities across Canada submit stories that showcase their pride. Burlington needs your voice, your photos, and your memories to climb to the top.

The T-shirt tells it all. John McNeil wants everyone in this city to let 19 other communities in Ontario to be aware of the Burlington Bulldogs – they are out there gunning for the $100,0000 that Kraft Foods wants to hand out to a minor hockey association.

You can earn points for Central Arena by:

• Submitting a written or video story (10 points)

• Sharing a photo (3 points)

• Reacting to a story or note on the arena’s nomination page (1 point)

Visit KraftHockeyville.ca to share your story and help Burlington shine.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward: “Central Arena has been at the heart of Burlington’s sport and recreation for generations—not just for hockey, but for figure skating, ringette, and countless community events. Now we have the chance to make it Canada’s next Kraft Hockeyville. This is about celebrating the stories that make our arena special and showing the country what Burlington pride looks like. I encourage everyone to share your memories and vote to help us bring this incredible opportunity home.”

Click HERE for Direct link to Central Recreation Centre (Central Arena) nomination page