The NHL preseason hockey game promised to West Lorne as part of its Kraft Hockeyville win is actually going to be played in St. Thomas.
The decision to hold the September 27 Toronto Maple Leafs-Buffalo Sabres preseason match-up at the Joe Thornton Community Centre in St. Thomas was due to "logistical requirements," according to NHL officials.
West Lorne's 55-year-old arena only has enough seating for 377 people and its rink doesn't meet NHL regulations. By comparison, the Joe Thornton Community Centre has a seating capacity of 2,200, with additional standing room space for 300.
West Lorne will still receive the $250,000 for arena upgrades and $10,000 in youth hockey equipment for winning the 2023 Kraft Hockeyville competition. The small community southwest of London went up against Maple Ridge, British Columbia, St. Anne, Manitoba, and Saint-Anselme, Quebec earlier this year to claim the top prize.
To win, West Lorne had to garner more community support than any other town or city. Residents of West Lorne and surrounding areas rallied around the cause through every step of the competition. NHLer Bo Horvat, who grew up in Rodney and spent countless hours at the West Lorne Arena also voiced his support for the community.
The head of the West Lorne Minor Hockey Association previously said the grand prize money will be used for a new front entrance with more accessible larger doors, new dressing rooms to accommodate more players, and an expanded warm room for families and fans.
Additional details, including broadcast time, for the preseason NHL game coming to St. Thomas are still being finalized and will be announced at a later date, according to NHL officials. More information about community events being held in connection with the game will also be released in the near future.
