Ice hockey fans in the cold after rink freeze failure
A pipe containing the agent used to freeze the ice rink burst at a critical time.
Ice Hockey Classic organisers
The country might be experiencing a deep freeze weather-wise – but the organisers of an international ice hockey match in Wellington couldn’t summon up the white stuff when they needed it.
While the MetService was warning the mercury would plunge overnight, the match, between Team USA and Team Canada, had to be postponed after a burst pipe meant promoters couldn’t complete the purpose-built outdoor rink at Westpac Stadium in time.
Ticketek New Zealand tweeted at around 5pm – just 30 minutes before the gates were due to open – saying the match and a warm-up game featuring the New Zealand Ice Blacks would not be going ahead.
The late cancellation annoyed a few of these who’d bought tickets to the capital’s first outdoor ice hockey international.
‘‘The 2018 Ice Hockey Classic was initially delayed from 4pm until 7pm today after a pipe containing the agent used to freeze the ice rink burst at a critical time in the production,’’ organisers said.
‘‘The good news is that another night and morning of preparations will see an ice rink of the quality that players and fans deserve for tomorrow’s event at 12noon.’’