In addition to the two combatants, there is another team in action at every Western Hockey League arena during junior hockey games.
They are generally adorned in uniforms, with perhaps the most obvious member observed operating the zamboni prior to and during the games.
But behind the scenes and during the off-season, this team is a busy bunch with a myriad of important responsibilities.
While it may not be immediately apparent to those attending WHL games at Prospera Place in Kelowna this season, the facility underwent an extensive renovation of sorts during the summer months.
The retrofit began in response to a WHL mandate. With a 2018 deadline in place, the focus is to improve shock absorption in the rink boards and glass. The idea is to improve safety and work toward cutting down on injuries.
During Kelowna Rockets rookie camp, DUBNetwork spoke with director of facility operations at Prospera Place, Dan Fogarty.
“The retrofit is all about the 2018 WHL mandate to replace the tempered glass shielding in WHL arenas,” Fogarty said. “There will be more flex in the new dashers and the acrylic.”
The improvements appear to be all about benefits for the players, though spectators are likely to notice some differences as well.
“There is likely to be increased excitement from the flex in the polycarbonate posts and shielding from body checks,” Fogarty said.
Fogarty provided DUBNetwork with a chronological review of the project:
April 25: Letter of intent signed with Cascadia Sport Systems Inc.
May 10: Begin old system removal
May 11-12: Repair and relocation of Ice dam anchor inserts
May 23: Approval of shop drawings
July 5: Arrival of new dashers
July 6-16: Installation of ice dam, dashers, wall dividers, polycarbonate posts, etc
July 19: Old dasher system/ and tempered glass shipped to rink in Alberta
Aug 3: Arrival of new acrylic shielding
Aug 10-15: Modification and installation of new acrylic shielding
According to Fogarty, there will be no impact on seating as there was no need to reconfigure any of the lower rows of seats.
While Fogarty would not divulge any figures, a report from Kamloops This Week regarding the Sandman Centre retrofit pegs the cost at about $550,000. The report also suggests the project in Kamloops involves some seating reconfiguration.
(Images supplied by Dan Fogarty)
