The ice is in the A.G. Ross! What’s so shocking about that, you say? For years, we were lucky to have ice by the middle of October. And many years, the 45-year-old plant would fire up and we would have a major breakdown, like a compressor motor or brine pump, and the start was delayed until the repairs were made.

A few years ago, the fundraising committee worked very hard raising money and obtaining grants for the one and a half million needed. And finally, last summer, the operating committee installed a brand new, more energy-efficient plant and header system.

So, this year making ice took a total of three days rather than about ten. All by volunteer workers. If the ice was installed with paid staff, it might be done in a day and a half.

The North East Alberta Hockey League (NEAHL) won’t be starting for a month, but our teams are ready to roll when the games begin.That’s the standard I’ll stick to with Doug — clean it, don’t rewrite it.