New ice plant a result of Hockeyville winnings

WILKIE - A new ice plant was installed at Saskcan Community Centre earlier this year, in large part due to the efforts of those who organized and got behind Wilkie's bids for the Kraft Hockeyville title.

The impetus behind the original bid came from Helen Urlacher and I and a legion of supporters, who did not realize at the time what it would mean for the Saskcan Community Centre in the long run.

The bids for the Hockeyville title brought in $50,000. When Wilkie made it to the top four in 2019 there was a great deal of excitement the night of the announcement of the winner. Although Wilkie was not the big winner, former North Battleford resident, Brett Wilson, donated $25,000 and challenged others to the same. Scott Nelson of Nelson Homes, Lloydminster and Edmonton took up the challenge and the town pledged another $25,000. With the $100,000 and other smaller donations and fundraisers, the $126,000 ice plant was installed.

The ice plant was started up Sept. 29. The arena opened to the public Oct. 12.

Recreation Director Lori Fenrich points out hockey and curling are two especially important parts of winter life in Wilkie.

"You will soon hear cheers in the arena for your favourite teams and ‘hurry hard’ on the sheets on the curling rink side," she says.

"It may not look like winter," said Fenrich, "but the arena in Wilkie is ready to go, thanks to the work of so many supporters."