Hockey Calgary scrambles after closure of damaged arena
Hockey players and skaters are looking elsewhere for ice time as the city is shutting down Stu Peppard Arena for the rest of the season.
The popular sports arena, at 5300 19th S.W., is unsafe because it is suffering from ice and water damage to its roof, officials say.
Now, Hockey Calgary — its Junior B Royals and AAA Midget Royals being the arena’s primary users — and others are out of luck. There are about 20 user groups affected by the closure, the city says.
The city’s recreation department shut down the arena Jan. 17 after the faulty roof was discovered during a routine facility check, the city says.
A structural engineer’s report confirms that two large sections of the roof have been compromised.
“It is necessary to close the facility in the interest of public safety and to ensure that the necessary repairs can be made,” said Shelley Shea, a manager of the city’s south recreation region.
“We want to ensure this facility continues to be a safe place for citizens and user groups now, and into the future.”
Recent melting and freezing of snow caused structural fatigue of two sections of the roof, according to the report.
They city has started a plan for repairs, but due to the size and complexity of the work, the arena will remain closed until the end of March.
The city says it is working closely with Hockey Calgary and other user groups to find alternate ice times elsewhere.
“We’re rescheduling all 72 games, and just over 100 practices have to be cancelled. Our games are definitely our priority,” said Christina Rogers, a spokeswoman for Hockey Calgary.
There’s a chance for other teams to share ice time in the meantime, she said.
“We’re extremely lucky to have such supportive community associations and teams. It’s not unusual for teams to step up and share ice time and have half-ice practices.”
The city says it’s hoping to have the arena open in April to accommodate lacrosse teams and other users.
“We appreciate how well-utilized this facility is and understand the inconveniences associated with its closing,” said Shea.
The city is now also inspecting all other arenas and recreational facilities as a precaution.
The inspections are expected to take four to six weeks.