Kamloops Unveils New Mini Rink at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
The City of Kamloops has recently unveiled a new mini rink at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, as part of the Build Kamloops initiative. This smaller rink is designed to provide more opportunities for local youth hockey and public skating. The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by dignitaries and residents, with eight-year-old hockey player Hadley Street expressing her excitement to use the new rink for playing the game she loves.
According to Zac Carnelley, the executive director of the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association, the mini rink will help address the shortage of ice sheets in the city and allow youth players to focus on their development. By providing a smaller playing surface, all players can be more actively involved in the game at a younger age, helping them learn to play in tighter spaces and improving their skills.
Sherri Holmes, the City of Kamloops sport, recreation, and wellness manager, highlighted that the mini rink will free up ice time on the larger sheets for older groups, resulting in an overall increase in ice time across the city. The new rink is open for public skating on specific days and times, offering more opportunities for community members to enjoy ice activities.
The mini rink has been operational since October 6th, providing a valuable addition to the local hockey scene in Kamloops. In addition to this new facility, the City of Kamloops is also constructing a four-sheet arena multiplex in Dufferin to further address the shortage of available ice time in the area. With these developments, the city is enhancing opportunities for hockey enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the sport and improve their skills.