FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Drayton Valley Thunder & the Town of Drayton Valley Announce $1 Million Naming Rights
Investment for Team Auction Centre
Drayton Valley, Alberta — June 30, 2026 — The Drayton Valley Thunder, in partnership with the
Town of Drayton Valley and the Drayton Valley Community Foundation (DVCF), are proud to
announce a transformative $1,000,000 donation from a local anonymous donor, marking one of
the most significant private contributions in the community’s recent history.
Through this contribution, the donor will be recognized by renaming of the Total Works Gym to
the “Thunder High Performance Centre,” establishing a legacy within the Team Auction Centre
and reinforcing the facility’s role in athlete development and community wellness. This
collaborative effort reflects a strong local partnership, with all three organizations working
together to enhance the Team Auction Centre, one of Drayton Valley’s most important
recreational and community facilities.
The donation will fund a series of important upgrades to the facility, which include significant
initial enhancements to the Nelson Bros. Arena. Initial investments will include the installation of
new 8-foot safety glass around the entire arena and a large four-panel digital video board,
modernizing the facility and significantly enhancing both player safety and the overall fan
experience.
In conjunction with this expenditure, the Thunder are very pleased to announce as well that that
The Drayton Valley Community Foundation is playing a key role by providing financing support
for the four-panel digital score clock, demonstrating the strength of community collaboration
behind this initiative.
Additional upgrades committed as part of this investment include:
• Drillable net pegs to improve safety and Alberta Junior Hockey League Standards
Compliance
• Removal of side netting to enhance sightlines and improve the fan experience
• An upgraded camera system to support game presentation and broadcasting
• Replacement dasher boards, coordinated alongside planned board repairs
“The Team Auction Centre is where our community comes together,” said Kevin Young, Club
President of the Drayton Valley Thunder. “This project reflects what we can accomplish through
partnership. These upgrades will create better opportunities for our athletes and fans and a
stronger experience for everyone who walks through these doors.”
Mayor Nancy Dodds also provided commentary on the donation. “On behalf of Council and
the entire Town of Drayton Valley, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for this extraordinary
$1,000,000 gift from a local anonymous donor. This act of generosity, marked by the naming
rights that will leave a lasting legacy in our community, speaks to the deep care, partnership,
and spirit that make Drayton Valley so special. The much-needed upgrades to the facility will not
only enhance opportunities for residents and visitors, but also strengthen a space that brings our
community together. We are incredibly proud to stand alongside the Drayton Valley Thunder
and the Drayton Valley Community Foundation in recognizing this transformative moment. The
kindness, humility, and commitment behind this donation are truly remarkable, and we are
deeply appreciative.”
Drayton Valley continues to build on its strong foundation of community pride and collaboration,
and this investment reflects a shared commitment to maintaining high-quality recreational
infrastructure that supports local families, youth programs, and community events.
While the donor has chosen to remain anonymous, their contribution stands as a powerful
example of giving back and investing in the future of Drayton Valley.
The partners will provide further details on project scope and timelines as planning progresses.
About the Town of Drayton Valley
Located in central Alberta, Drayton Valley is a vibrant community known for its strong industry
base, recreational amenities, and a culture rooted in hard work and community spirit.
About the Drayton Valley Thunder
The Drayton Valley Thunder is a proud member of Alberta’s junior hockey community,
committed to developing athletes and strengthening community connections through sport.
About the Drayton Valley Community Foundation
The Drayton Valley Community Foundation supports local initiatives and projects that strengthen
the community through strategic investment and partnerships.
