Cochrane may not have been crowned Hockeyville champs this year, but the spirit from our community was shining bright during the competition. 

Hundreds gathered at Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) Centre on Saturday night and waited for the results to be revealed during Hockey Night in Canada. 

Cochrane was among the top four finalists for Kraft Hockeyville this year, along with Enderby, BC, Wolseley, SK, and Elliot Lake, ON. 

Spray Lake Sawmills (SLS) CEO Erin Wagner said she still felt proud even though Cochrane didn't win. 

"We're a little deflated that we didn't win but you know what? First or second, we're still walking away a winner. The community spirit was unreal and just to see the community come together behind something so simple as hockey and our shared passion, you can't ask for much more." 

Mayor Jeff Genung said seeing the way the community got behind this initiative was something special. 

"I can't wipe the smile off my face, I mean I did for a minute there when we lost but it's amazing to walk around and everybody has just been so supportive. The energy in this room here today is just incredible. Everywhere you look, there's been signs in all the storefronts and everybody's talking about Kraft Hockeyville, it's just been an amazing couple of weeks."

Cochrane will be awarded $25,000 to go toward much-needed upgrades to the 50-year-old Cochrane Arena and $10,000 will go towards equipment for deserving youth in our community. 

"We're all walking away winners tonight," said Wagner.

Elliot Lake, ON. will receive $250,000 to be used for their Centennial Arena and they have the opportunity to host an NHL pre-season game.

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