While the submission deadline for Kraft Hockeyville has come and gone, the experience of rallying together for a common cause remains.

The Village of Dinsmore, made up of about 300 residents, had a total of 952 entries submitted for a chance to be named Hockeyville. Entries consisted of stories, videos and photos showing that the small community embodies the spirit of hockey.

Photographer and hockey mom, Shanda Mann, is a Dinsmore resident who jumped right into the rallying, “Whether we make the top four or not-and I really hope we do, it definitely brought our community together and raised the community spirit to another level which is really nice to see,” shared Mann of the experience.

In the process of rallying for the rink, hockey stories and memorabilia that came out of the woodwork had people talking and reminiscing. Mann said that in reading stories and being a part of the competition, what really stuck out most to her was the volunteerism and community involvement that went into the arena.

“From when our rink was first built and then when it was torn down and rebuilt, all the fundraising and volunteer hours put in was mind blowing.”

The Dinsmore Memorial Arena was built in 1994 and houses two curling ice surfaces, a three lane bowling alley and an artificial skating ice surface. The facility would benefit from the $250,000 winnings from the competition to address the buildings many needed upgrades; including fixing a leaky roof and repairs to the ice chiller.

Points and stories are now being calculated and looked over by the Kraft Hockeyville judges. The top four communities to move on in the competition will be announced on March 14. Along with the grand prize, three second place communities will each be awarded with $25,000 in arena upgrades.

“It would be absolutely amazing for us, the smallest community entered, to win,” Mann commented.

Win or lose, the community is stronger and more unified for having been a part of the experience.