KERROBERT - A delayed then shortened arena 2020/21 season will make this fall’s opening ever more anticipated.
Arena users will notice some updates completed over the summer. The water heaters were replaced and smaller projects were undertaken such as re-doing some of the lights, as well as painting projects completed.
The Zamboni will be the newest feature to show off once rink season gets underway. Thanks to continued community contributions, the Zamboni was funded.
The work was completed by both town staff and contractors to help ready the rink for opening Oct. 1. The Recreation Board met in August and decided the rink will open later than usual for a number of reasons that included the absence of rentals from practices and opening camps for the West Central Rage; it was difficult to justify running the plant a month early. This also allows additional time for the Zamboni to arrive as the ice can’t be installed until the boards are in place. This means the plant will be started Sept. 15 with opening date set for the first of October.
One big change that will be felt at the Kerrobert arena is the absence of the West Central Rage, who have chosen to take a one-year absence from the PJHL.
Kerrobert Recreation Director Bobbi Hebron, says, “It is unfortunate that the Rage won’t be with us this year and the community will see the effect by not having that age group living and working in our community. However, we know the Rage executive will work hard to bring them back for next year.”
Hebron says they are anticipating a busy year at the arena regardless on one team’s absence and they will welcome a full slate of Kerrobert Minor Hockey teams, several AA teams as well as the senior Tigers hockey team.
Another change this year offered to all organizations using the rink to have the option to pay a higher ice fee per hour and opt out of fulfilling booth shifts, or users could opt to pay a lower initial fee and work booth shifts (called the fundraiser). All organizations that included Tigers, AA hockey and KMH opted out, so Hebron says they are looking to lease the booth this year to an individual or organization and interested parties can contact her or the town of Kerrobert for more information.
