Collingwood’s Minor Hockey Association is speaking out about the need for a roof over the outdoor rink at central park.
President Anthony Griffiths says having a roof over the ice would mean it can be used as a practice facility.
He says that without a roof, they really can’t guarantee that the ice can be used for minor hockey, and adds the project is a worthwhile endeavour for minor sports.
Collingwood Council has said building a roof could cost upwards of 900 thousand dollars.
Griffiths say you really can’t put a dollar figure on keeping kids in minor sports, however, and he says the association will keep pushing for a roof if it doesn’t happen this year.
Griffiths says there are 410 kids in the minor hockey association in Collingwood, which means there are 27 teams.
And he says they expect the league to add up to three more teams next year.
Griffiths says that with the number of teams sharing the Eddie Bush Arena along with the Collingwood Blues, figure skating, and other activities has resulted in heavy demand on the facility.
He says that right now they are using the facility in Feversham to deal with that demand, but Griffiths adds it’s called Collingwood Hockey for a reason, and they want to keep it local if they can.
He says having the roof over the outdoor rink would help reduce that demand, and also benefit high school hockey, as well as tournaments and old timers hockey too.
Griffiths says it’s not the perfect answer, but it’s halfway there.