The North Arena Survives!

The Cold Lake North Arena will see another season, confirmed Mayor of Cold Lake, Craig Copeland. The affectionately named “blue beauty” will be open Monday through Friday, October to March for the 2018-19 season.

Vice-President of Cold Lake Minor Hockey (CLMH), Lawren Wowk, said the organization is elated for the arena to remain open.

“We anticipate the North Arena to be at capacity for the up-and-coming hockey season,” said Wowk.

“We’re going to find the money to keep it open.”

The mayor explained that after minor hockey presented a need for the arena, Council agreed to keep it open. The cost is expected to be in the $150,000 – $200,000 range.

To help save, Mayor Copeland says the city plans to “bring an ice plant on skids.”

The portable ice plant will be rented, and cost less than using the older plant already in the arena.

Wowk says with the arena open CLMH will be able to continue to bring quality training to the Cold Lake.

“We are very happy to be able to continue with our development model for our membership. We would have had great difficulty in achieving our developmental goals without the City’s commitment to keep the North Arena operational.”

The second rink at the Energy Centre is expected to be completed in time for the upcoming hockey season. It will be used mainly for games and figure skating. The North Arena will be used more for practices Monday-Friday.

The mayor added that if more ice time is needed on the weekends, the JJ Parr at 4-Wing Cold Lake will be used to help fill those slots.

“We’re here to support minor hockey.”

Wowk adds, “We look forward to working further with the City on this project”.