Senators, Penguins to face off in Kraft Hockeyville pre-season game

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The Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins will meet on Sept. 29 in Kraft Hockeyville.

The NHL announced the pre-season matchup, which celebrates the community of Elliot Lake, Ont., on Saturday during the Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers.

It’ll be the ninth time the Senators will play in a Kraft Hockeyville game while the Penguins will compete in their third. The Senators participated in Kraft Hockeyville this season, defeating the Florida Panthers 4-2 at Centre 200 in Sydney, N.S., last October.

“Northern Ontario maintains a rich hockey history,” Senators president of hockey operations and general manager Steve Staios said in a release. “We’re looking forward to showcasing both our team and our brand to the many passionate fans in their communities as part of this fall’s Kraft Hockeyville events.”

Elliot Lake was announced as the winner on March 30.

The community will also receive $250,000 for arena upgrades plus $10,000 worth of youth hockey equipment from the NHLPA Goals and Dreams fund.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins are excited to participate in Kraft Hockeyville this fall,” Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas said. “Having grown up in Northern Ontario, I understand how impactful the event will be for the people of Elliot Lake and the surrounding area. The investment in Elliot Lake and the game itself provide the Penguins with a great opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport in an area of the world that truly loves ice hockey.”

The details of the game, including location and broadcast timing, are being finalized and will be announced at a later date, along with other community event details.