Residents walk past a sign outside a local bistro stating "Tumbler Ridge Strong! We Stand with You" in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

By The Canadian Press

Tumbler Ridge makes Hockeyville final two in wake of mass shooting

Mar 23, 2026 | 10:10 AM

TUMBLER RIDGE — Tumbler Ridge, B.C., is one of the two finalists in the 2026 Kraft Hockeyville program to receive for funding for its ice rink, as the community continues to recover from a deadly mass shooting in February.

The annual competition’s organizers say Tumbler Ridge will compete against Taber, Alta., for $250,000 to upgrade its arena as well as the chance to host a National Hockey League pre-season game.

The runner-up will receive $100,000, and the competition will be decided by an online vote between April 3 and 4.

Tumbler Ridge suffered a devastating mass shooting on Feb. 10 when eight victims were shot dead, including 13-year-old Ezekiel Schofield, who played hockey with the Tumbler Ridge Raptors.

Another Raptors player, 12-year-old Maya Gebala, was gravely injured and is awaiting surgery to repair her skull that was delayed last Friday.

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Taber lost the use of its two ice rinks in December after an explosion caused by propane leaking from a Zamboni.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 23, 2026.

The Canadian Press