Taber Wins Hockeyville, Tumbler Ridge Runner-Up

It's April 5th, you're listening to Vancouver News today, AI-powered local news.

I'm Cory with the story.

Taber, Alberta, just snagged this year's Krabhockeyville title,

beating out Tumblr Ridge, British Columbia, for the top spot.

The contest hands out cash to spruce up community ranks across Canada,

with the winner grabbing $250,000 plus a preseason.

NHL Game, runner-up Tumblr Ridge scores $100,000 for upgrades too.

Taber's older arena got knocked out by an explosion back in December,

leaving the town without its main ice spot.

Meanwhile, of North and Tumblr Ridge, folks turned their community center into a full-on

watch party central on Saturday. Hundreds packed the arena there, decked out in jerseys,

signs, and balloons, all eyes on the big announcement from Hockey Night in Canada.

It hit extra hard after that deadly shooting in February.

The place became a safe hub for grieving, counseling, and sticking together away from the

media glare. Even former NHL player Andrew Fairance and Vancouver Canucks,

forward Chris Higgins showed up to rally the crowd.

A local from Vancouver Island, Theresa Neville's, put Tumblr Ridge up for the nomination,

calling it a nationwide hug for the town.

Both spots now have funds flowing to fix their ranks,

keeping the hockey heart beating strong in these tight-knit communities.