Theresa Nevills watched the news unfold from her home on Vancouver Island, over 1,000 kilometers away, as details emerged from the devastating mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 10. The tragedy struck the small northeast British Columbia community of about 2,400 residents, leaving many in shock.
“It wasn’t the kind of thing you would ever expect from a small-town community,” Nevills said. Like countless others, she experienced a profound sense of helplessness amid the unfolding events.
Nomination Highlights Community Resilience
Despite having no personal connections to Tumbler Ridge, the retired Royal Canadian Air Force aviation maintenance superintendent felt driven to act. Learning that the local community centre served as a vital safe haven for residents in the aftermath, she submitted a nomination for the annual Kraft Hockeyville contest, noting no prior entries from the area.
The centre, which includes the town’s arena, pool, library, and curling rink, became a focal point for support. “That space is sacred to them,” Nevills explained. “That’s where everybody went to join hands, rally each other, and support one another through the initial days.”
The top prize offers $250,000 for arena improvements and the opportunity to host an NHL preseason game. Nevills, who served in the RCAF since 1981 before retiring last November, drew from her experience near Stirling-Rawdon, Ont., a past Hockeyville winner in 2012.
“It just seemed like a golden opportunity,” she said. “Many Canadians empathized deeply with Tumbler Ridge, and this could unite everyone in its healing process.”
High-Profile Endorsements Boost Campaign
The nomination quickly attracted notable backing, including from Olympic gold medalist and Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser. She shared the Tumbler Ridge effort with her 55,000 social media followers and posted on LinkedIn about survivor Maya Gebala, who participated in Wickenheiser’s 2024 WickFest tournament in Calgary.
“I remember it was such a big undertaking to fundraise and get to Calgary for that Tumbler Ridge team,” Wickenheiser wrote. “A small town, just like where I came from. I always have a soft spot for those towns.”
Contest Timeline and Expectations
Nominations close on March 1, with provincial and territorial winners announced March 14, each receiving $50,000. The grand prize winner follows on April 4.
Nevills acknowledges competition from hundreds of Canadian communities but argues Tumbler Ridge merits victory amid its recovery. Regardless of the outcome, she highlights the residents’ resilience: “They’re grieving but growing together, stronger, rallying behind each other to face a new day.”
