WATCH: Ice install underway at RJ Lalonde Arena

There’s always a clamour for available ice times, even in the summertime.

Crews at the Centennial Centre have been at work this week installing this year’s ice at the RJ Lalonde Arena, getting going on Monday.

While ice might not be top of mind while the temperature outside is nearing plus 30, the amount of training for hockey season, or running camps, warrants an early install time.

On Thursday, they were painting the lines and getting it closer for use.

Centennial Centre GM Kelly Skotnitsky said they’re using a new product called Jet Ice, the same ice paint used by NHL teams. So far the comments are the ice looks brighter, and the lines should pop, even as the dog days of winter roll on.

“We just wanted to make sure all the lines are bright and crisp. Minor hockey and the Pontiacs and the senior guys are really gonna like the ice,” Skotnitsky told Lakeland Connect.

The same products will then be used on the Cenovus rink surface.

The goal is to be done and usable by July 24.

Next year, they’re hoping the ice quality itself will improve once the new water system is installed, said Skotnitsky.