Three of the biggest ice user groups in North Bay are excited what the future will hold now that a new twin-pad arena and community centre will be built at the Steve Omischl Sports Complex.
The North Bay Minor Hockey Association, the North Bay & District Trappers AAA Hockey Association, and the North Bay & District Girls Hockey Association all believe the new twin pad will allow North Bay teams to actually play and practice on North Bay rinks.
"Currently, North Bay Minor Hockey rep teams need to find about 50 per cent of their ice in outlying rinks reaching as far as Temagami, Warren, South River and Temiscaming," said Darrell Pitman, president of the North Bay Minor Hockey Association.
"Approval of the new arena is great news for the NBDGHA," stated Kiara Jefferies, president of the local girls hockey association.
"As our programming continues to grow year after year. The addition of a new space will allow for more growth within girls hockey, it will also allow teams to practice and host games more regularly in town instead of having to travel to Powassan, Trout Creek or Sturgeon Falls for additional ice time."
See related: $63M twin pad arena and community centre approved
The organizations are also thrilled that the new rinks will open up more opportunities to host tournaments.
"The North Bay & District Trappers look forward to hosting premiere events that attract visitors from all over Ontario, supporting our local economy in the process," said Mark Lockhart, president of the North Bay & District Trappers AAA Hockey Association.
"Our kids are the future of this community, and we owe it to them to provide the best foundation for growth and development that we can. Our players will pay back this favour to the community over their years of contribution, we can assure that."
Jefferies believes the new arena will play a large part in their annual tournament that sees upwards of 70 plus teams visit the North Bay Area.
"This will allow us to use all local arenas instead of having to travel out of town to accommodate the large interest in our local event which brings a large economic impact to the City of North Bay year after year," she said.
With files from Stu Campaigne
