On a gusty Saturday, the Kings Energy outdoor rink at the Cenovus Energy Hub made its return to form after strong winds left it damaged.
Representatives from Kings Energy Group and the City of Lloydminster gathered outside to officially reopen the rink on Jan. 31.
Read more: Recent windstorm wreaks havoc at outdoor rink
“It’s served our community well. It’s back out again with a fresh look and (will) have the community enjoy it for a very long time,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers during opening remarks. “I can’t say thank you enough on behalf of our city council, city and (the) community at large.”
Darren King, owner of Kings Energy Group, spoke to the importance of the game of shinny.
“These games are decided by the next-goal-wins at some point, when everyone has to go. I think that really speaks to the heart of what the game is about,” he explained. “There’s a special glow that comes about anyone who plays the game outside.”
Christian Apostolovski – Meridian Source
King says they chose to sponsor the outdoor rink as it reflected the company’s values.
“This is probably the thing that fits closest to the things we want to support in the community,” he said. “It reflects our values and I think it reflects the things we want to make sure continue in Lloyd.”
A windstorm hit Lloydminster on Jan. 15, bringing powerful gusts that ultimately knocked over some elements of the outdoor rink.
“Some of the glass and the mullions that hold it up were damaged. They really popped out of the boards and were thrown loose,” said Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services, City of Lloydminster.
“Some of them were damaged, some of them were salvageable and so, (we were) working with our supplier and contractors to figure out the best way to fix it.”
Standing by the outdoor rink in the strong winds, Simpson said not all sections had been restored yet.
“As you can see, there’s some gaps in the glass. We just haven’t put those sections back in,” she said.
The costs of the damage is still unknown.
“It won’t all be on the city because it’s still under its construction warranty. There may be some opportunities to recoup some costs,” said Simpson.
Following the opening ceremonies and ribbon cutting, the U13 AAA Lancers took to the ice to play a game of shinny.
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