2 NHL teams will face each other this fall in Sydney, NS following Kraft Hockeyville’s win

Two NHL teams will go head-to-head on the ice this fall at Center 200 in Sydney, NS, thanks to last year’s Kraft Hockeyville community win.

The Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators will play a preseason game on October 1 to celebrate Sydney’s victory in the annual competition.

“Our organization is excited to visit Nova Scotia this fall to bring an exciting preseason game to the passionate fans in the Sydney community,” Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito said in a press release Wednesday.

“The Kraft Hockeyville program is instrumental in growing our game in North America and we are honored and excited to participate and have the opportunity to spend some time with the avid hockey fans at Center 200.”

Ottawa Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said players are excited to take on the Panthers in Sydney.

“Hockey fans on the East Coast love the game and their hospitality is second to none.”

Kraft Hockeyville allows communities to nominate their arena for a chance to win $250,000 in upgrades and a chance to host an NHL preseason game.

Sydney won the competition in 2022 and the prize money will go to the Canada Games Complex.

The facility was built to host the 1987 Canadian Winter Games, but has since had to close its doors to hockey. Kraft Hockeyville’s win means a new compressor can be purchased so the venue can reopen for Ice Age.