“This competition has truly generated widespread support,” said the Minister responsible for sport in the province. “There are only two shows left in the season. We can all help bring Hockeyville home.”

Out of the nearly 450 communities that applied to be part of Kraft Hockeyville 2006, 50 teams were chosen to participate in the CBC program, and both PEI teams, the Charlottetown Hockey Mammas and the O'Leary Netted Gems, have made it to the final 25.

“I know Islanders share the pride I feel for these two teams,” Mr. MacFadyen stated. “I want to congratulate both the Charlottetown Hockey Mammas and the O'Leary Netted Gems for all the effort they have put into this competition and wish them the best of luck in these final days of the contest.”

In addition to taking home the Kraft Hockeyville 2006 trophy, the winning team will host an NHL exhibition game; receive $50,000 Home Depot gift card to be used for the arena that the winning Community endorses; and win $10,000 in hockey equipment donated by Sport Maska Inc. for a grassroots hockey program within that community.

During last evening’s show, the Top 25 Hockeyville hopefuls, including the two Island teams, were profiled and voting opened. Voting can be done by phone at 1-888-459-2006 or online at www.cbc.ca/hockeyville.

The next show is on Friday, June 9th, 8 p.m. on CBC, when the top 10 teams will be announced. Audience voting will take place throughout the broadcast and at the end of the show the final five Hockeyville nominees will be chosen. Following this broadcast, viewers will have the opportunity to choose one community to win the title of Kraft Hockeyville 2006! Voting will be open until Sunday, June 11th, 2006 at 4 p.m.

On Sunday June 11th, CBC will present a opportunity for fans to review the earlier shows in the series, and at 8 p.m. the final show will air with the announcement of the Grand Prize Winner.

“Let's get together, show Canada our community spirit, and put a PEI community on the map as Kraft Hockeyville 2006!” Mr. MacFadyen said.

To learn more about the local teams Islanders can visit their websites at www.community.oleary.pe.ca/Oleary_Is_HockeyVille.html and www.hockeymommas.com.