Were you one of the more than 1,800 people in attendance at last Friday night’s Lloydminster Bobcats home-opener at the Cenovus Energy Hub?
If you haven’t been inside the arena, in short, it brings the “wow” factor. In my opinion, it’s best classified as “an experience.”
Using the phrase “old barn” doesn’t seem appropriate when talking about the Hub. It’s sexy and it knows it.
Sure, cellphones don’t work once you leave the lobby and alcohol isn’t being sold, yet, but the Hub is still in its infancy. You’ve gotta crawl before you can walk.
I’d only been in the rink once before Friday’s home-opener. It’s come a long way since Mayor Gerald Aalbers led an in-depth media tour in late May. It even still smells new!
With more than 1,800 people in attendance on Friday and another thousand-plus at Saturday’s game, excitement was in the air as the Bobcats iced their 2025-26 roster for the first time.
I attended Friday’s game to photograph the on-ice action and was pleased with the attendance. It felt like playoff hockey on opening night.
From a photography standpoint, I must mention the lighting. Ohhh, it’s nice! I wouldn’t dare set my camera to F4 at 1/500 and ISO 2000 in the Civic Centre, or any other arena in Lloydminster, for that matter. It’s bright, whites look white and blacks look black … it’s a photographer’s dream and it’s only going to get better.
Two weeks ago, I wrote about my excitement over the Hub’s Taylor Holes. I’m pleased to say I have an update on the holes after a great chat with the Hub’s manager, Don Bowey. They’re coming!
As previously mentioned, the holes were placed behind the nets, and before crews could move them, the boys were using them for target practice and shattered the glass!
Don and I took a walk around the rink and established the best locations for a total of four holes, and I couldn’t be happier. He seemed keen and receptive to input, which is also greatly appreciated.
During second-period action, I had the pleasure of chatting with members of the U13 AAA
Lancers who had already played on the new ice. These young guns were buzzing with excitement over the new rink and the future it holds. I share in that excitement.
There’s bugs to work out, but it’s a beautiful facility and I have it on good authority that the lack of cell reception will be fixed.
Read more: Column: ‘Everyone will love the Taylor Holes!’
