FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Drayton Valley Thunder Hockey Junior Hockey Club and the Drayton Valley Community
Hockey Association (DVHCA) Launch Hall of Fame, Seeking Inaugural Nominations
DRAYTON VALLEY, AB – November 24, 2025 – The Drayton Valley Thunder Junior Hockey Club
and the Drayton Valley Community Hockey Association (DVCHA) in close partnership with the
Town of Drayton Valley are proud to announce the establishment of the Drayton Valley & Area
Hall of Fame. This new, prestigious civic honour is dedicated to recognizing individuals, married
couples, and/or family groups who have made transformative, enduring contributions that have
significantly shaped the history, identity, and future of the Drayton Valley region.
This initiative seeks to permanently honour the community’s true pioneers, builders, and icons
whose legacies extend far beyond the arena.
A celebration of the selected nominees will be held on February 20, 2026 at a Gala Event hosted
by the Thunder at the Mackenzie Center in the Team Auctions Center in Drayton Valley. Tickets
for the event will be on sale in December and event details will follow in the coming weeks.
Nomination Categories
The Hall of Fame welcomes nominations across three specialized categories, focusing on
sustained excellence and community impact:
1. Community Builder & Pioneer (Individual, Couple, or Family Group): Honoring those
whose long-term, visionary efforts (typically 20+ years) have fundamentally advanced
the community, culture, or infrastructure of Drayton Valley.
2. Arts, Culture, and Heritage Icon (Individual): Recognizing those who have demonstrated
exceptional creativity, preserved local history, or contributed a significant body of work
that enriches the cultural life of the region.
3. Specialized Achievement (Individual): Reserved for individuals who have achieved
extraordinary distinction in an essential, specialized field—such as Healthcare, Education,
Public Service, or Industry—resulting in widespread community benefit.
Eligibility and Submission Details
Nominees must have a strong connection to Drayton Valley and demonstrate exemplary
character. Contributions must typically have been sustained over at least 15 years.
Important Submission Criteria:
• Status: Nominees may be considered whether they are living or deceased.
• Nominee Type: Nominations are accepted for individuals, married couples, or family
groups recognized for a collective contribution.
• Selection Process: Inductees will be chosen by an independent, confidential committee
of community leaders. For the 2026 induction cycle, the committee aims to select 1–3
candidates.
• Candidate Consent: All selected candidates (or their nearest living relative/estate
representative for deceased nominees) must provide formal written consent prior to their
induction being publicly announced.
Call to Action: Submit Your Nominations
The Drayton Valley Thunder and DVCHA urge the community to recognize those who have
created a lasting legacy.
All nomination packages must be submitted digitally and in confidence to the official Hall of
Fame email address: dvhof@draytonvalleythunder.ca
The deadline for nominations is 16:00 HRS on Tuesday, December 17th.
Contact: Drayton Valley Hall of Fame Committee – dvhof@draytonvalleythunder.ca for
nomination criteria packages. Nomination criteria can also be picked up that Drayton Valley
Thunder office at the Team Auctions Center.
About the Drayton Valley Thunder The Drayton Valley Thunder are a Junior A ice hockey team in
the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). As a not-for-profit, locally owned organization, they
are committed to developing young athletes, fostering community involvement, and providing
exciting hockey entertainment.
About the Town of Drayton Valley The Town of Drayton Valley is a vibrant community in central
Alberta focused on providing a high quality of life through excellent services, strong community
partnerships, and a focus on growth and sustainability.
