ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — The president of Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador is part of a group that hopes to construct a multi-pad ice complex in St. John’s.
Jack Lee and Stadium Partners NL are planning a four-pad facility in the Galway section of St. John’s.
In addition to the hockey rinks, the complex will also have an area with a Field Turf component to accommodate sports such as soccer.
Construction is set to start in the summer and is scheduled to take about two years to complete.
Stadium Partners NL is working with a major local construction company as a partner. Galway developer Danny Williams, through his Dewcor company, has donated up to 10 acres of land for the project.
In addition to private money going into the development, Lee said the group is, “talking to all levels of government (for funding).”
It's possible a fifth sheet of ice — albeit a smaller surface, similar to the one at St. Bon’s Forum in St. John's — could be added to accommodate events such as goalie camps.
“When you look at what we have here, and what’s in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, you see St. John’s is a major centre without a great deal major sports amenities. Our high performance athletes deserve this. And it’s not only hockey." — Jack Lee
Lee said he has seen similar facilities through his travels as Hockey NL president, and through his business as owner of Newfoundland Blizzard Hockey.
Nova Scotia has two such facilities in the Halifax area — the RBC Centre in Dartmouth, and BMO Centre in Bedford — and Moncton, N.B., houses the Superior Propane Centre, which also has four NHL-sized rinks.
“When you look at what we have here, and what’s in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,” Lee said, “you see St. John’s is a major centre without a great deal major sports amenities.
“Our high-performance athletes deserve this. And it’s not only hockey. There’s figure skating and soccer, and other field sports that could train inside.”
According to a news release from Stadium Partners NL, “there has not been a new community rink constructed within the City of St. John’s in over 40 years. The following are the opening dates for the current facilities: Brother O’Hehir/Yetman’s Arena (1978); Twin Rinks (1976); Feildian Gardens (1965); Prince of Wales Arena/Capital Hyundai Arena (mid-to-late 1960s); St. Bon’s Forum (1923).
Lee said a new facility, such as the one planned for Galway, would allow the city to play host to events such as the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, World Under-18 women’s championship.
“And we could go after other national and Atlantic championships, such as the Atlantic Challenge Cup,” he said.
@telyrobinshort
