The Penguins will play a preseason game against the Senators in Northern Ontario on Sept. 29 as part of the NHL's Kraft Hockeyville sweepstakes, an initiative that awards communities $250,000 to be used towards arena upgrades in addition to the right to host an NHL preseason game.
The exact location and broadcast details are still being determined.
Elliot Lake, Ontario won over Enderby British Columbia, Cochrane Alberta, and Wolseley Saskatchewan in the final four communities.
Elliot Lake sits between Sudbury and Kyle Dubas' hometown of Sault Ste. Marie and has a population of 11,372.
"The Pittsburgh Penguins are excited to participate in Kraft Hockeyville this fall," Dubas said in a release. "Having grown up in Northern Ontario, I understand how impactful the event will be for the people of Elliot Lake and the surrounding area. The investment in Elliot Lake and the game itself provide the Penguins with a great opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport in an area of the world that truly loves ice hockey!”
The NHL's description of Elliot Lake as part of the Kraft Hockeyville voting called it "a resilient community where hockey has been a constant source of inspiration. Despite many challenges, particularly after the closure of mines in the early 1990s, their community has redefined itself and the population continues to grow."
The league said that "recent hardships" have impacted recreational and competitive hockey in the area, and that the local Centennial Arena built in 1968 was closed last year due to structural problems with the roof. The $250,000 won through the sweepstakes will go toward reopening the arena.
Elliot Lake Vikings
Centennial Arena
