Mackenzie, B.C. – It could not be a more beautiful evening in Mackenzie this evening, as residents begin to make their way to Spirit Square outside the Alan Sheppard Arena.

The crew in the photo above have been having their own tailgate party in the parking lot outside the arena all day. Jackie MacCarthy says there was some hail earlier in the day, but the group has been having fun and is excited about this evening’s announcement.

Inside, the arena is packed with spectators watching a game between the Mackenzie Gentlemen’s team and a team from the Fort Ware First Nation.

Right from the junction with Highway 97, there are handpainted signs announcing that Mackenzie is Hockeyville…and the truth to that declaration will be known this evening.

The winner of Kraft's 2011 Hockeyville will be announced during the first intermission of the late NHL game.