‘The puck beat out the ball’: It all began with a poll question — and has quickly grown into a popular annual ritual for residents of all ages
There’s no hockey game scheduled, but a puck drop is set for the Downtown Plaza tonight.
A six-plus foot steel hockey puck adorned in lights will be lowered to ring in 2026 for the second straight year — our city’s unique take on the New Year’s ball drop seen in other communities.
While looking to bring something new to the community last year, the city put out a poll asking residents whether they’d prefer a ball drop or puck drop for New Year’s festivities.
The community made its choice clear.
“The puck beat out the ball,” said Brent Lamming, deputy CAO.
“You always think of a ball being dropped, and given that we’re in Sault Ste. Marie — we’re kind of a hockey hotbed — we thought we could do something different.”
As simply as that, a new tradition was born.
Built with locally sourced steel by the city’s public works department, the large, illuminated puck is carefully stored throughout the year until it’s needed for the big night.
The puck drop and the Downtown Plaza event are sponsored by GFL Environmental, PUC, and Steel Speed Inc., which will donate its crane to hoist the puck 80 feet into the air for the second straight year. It’s the same company that proudly hoists the Algoma Steel Christmas star.
“Without their involvement, it would make it a challenge, but they are glad to be involved in this,” Lamming said. “We’re looking to continue this for many years to come as a tradition.”
After receiving “tons” of positive feedback about the puck drop on its social media page last year, Steel Speed Inc. looks forward to participating year after year, as well.
“We take pride in being a part of this great town, so we definitely will continue to do it as long as the city keeps having it,” said Heyden Rollin, a project manager with the company.
“We don’t expect anything in return. We just like to see the impact that it has.”
Tonight, like last year, there will be two puck drops for the community to witness.
The first, at 8 p.m., will allow younger children to take part in the celebration, with the puck dropping for a second time to ring in the new year at midnight.
Activities for kids, beverages for adults, skating, warming stations, and more will be available after the event kicks off at 6 p.m. and throughout the evening. The Killer Hooks will also be hitting the stage with live music later in the evening.
“We do have warming barrels,” added Lamming.
“We know that this year it might be a little bit chillier than last year, but we’re hoping that with the warming barrels and areas to get out of the cold … (everyone) can enjoy the time that they’re there.”