That roar Saturday evening could be heard well beyond the confines of West Elgin Secondary School. When it was announced by NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman that West Lorne was the 2023 Kraft Hockeyville champion, it was pandemonium in the high school gym. There were a few tears as well in memory of West Elgin Mayor Duncan McPhail who died shortly after West Lorne was announced as one of four finalists, and the only Ontario representative. myFM spoke with Duncan’s wife Norma about the community coming together to go after the $250,000 prize.
Co-chair of the local organizaing committee, Jessica Small, describes her delayed reaction to the announcement.
In addition to the $250,000 prize for arena upgrades, the Municipality of West Elgin is contributing $150,000 to help with renovations as well at the West Lorne arena, plus the community will host an NHL preseason game. The winning announcement on Saturday, April 1 ironically was also Duncan McPhail’s birthday, a fitting tribute to the popular mayor.
written by: I. McAllum
