Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The Calumet Colosseum has entered Hockeyville USA, a national contest sponsored by Kraft Foods, that grants $150,000 dollars to aging community ice rinks in need of repair.
“How long have you had hockey? Since 1913. We have every division from mites to senior hockey and it’s been that way for the last 100 years. We brag we’re the oldest indoor ice rink in North America and so far nobody’s challenged that,” said Calumet Township Supervisor Paul Lehto.
Many make that claim and at 105 years old, the rink is in need of some upgrades. “The three page questionnaire is generally on the rink. It’s about the size of your rink, seating, the ice plant, dehumidifiers, your sound system. So we filled all that out but that doesn’t mean we’re a finalist yet,” said Lehto.
With a little more than a week left before four of the contestants will be narrowed down to a final vote, excitement is rising in the town that was once known as Red Jacket and if you have a story or a memory to share about the rink, a few minutes of your time to tell that story could make the difference.
Rink Manager Mark Peters said, “It’s outstanding. We have nothing but good comments. Kraft’s Hockeyville site, I’ve been monitoring it and (there are) several paragraphs written from fans from Brighton, Novi, and also the locals from Houghton and Hancock who wrote several real nice ones.”
To participate simply go to www.krafthockeyville.com and search for Calumet and submit a photo or story.
