Soon there might be the headlines that say “spring has sprung,” but that’s actually a problem in the Great White North, where there is actually a shortage of hockey arenas. While it might be hard to believe given the winter we’ve had in much of the country, in Canada there is actually a need for more places to skate. A lack of ice facilities or even no facilities at all are actually an issue that is currently plaguing many cities across Canada. In fact, of the nearly 2,500 ice arenas, nearly 50 percent are more than 26 years old and 32 percent are more than 36 years old.
These buildings will need seriously renovations or need to be replaced. Where there is a need, there is opportunity. Taking a cue from the Field of Dreams, if you build it they will come, Calgary-based Sprung Instant Structures Ltd. has launched Sprung Performance Arenas and even earned an endorsement from Hockey Canada for their efforts to address the issue. The Sprung Performance Arenas can be built quickly and more importantly economically, as a long-term solution to the so-called “ice crisis” in Canada.
“Traditional single arenas can cost anywhere from 8.5 million to 20 million, and take over a year to build, whereas Sprung arenas can be built for less than 6 million, and are constructed in around 6 months,” said Sprung, “Sprung Arenas are safe, reliable, long-lasting, have a high quality ice surface, and make ice sports more accessible in our country.”
The arenas have already earned support and endorsement from Hockey Canada and the Hockey Canada Foundation. Thus when spring comes, or winter isn’t quite as harsh there will still be ice, ice baby.