City celebrates grand opening of twin ice pad arena

Following a ceremonial puck drop, visitors had the chance to explore the Sault’s newest hockey facility that includes a pair of NHL-sized rinks, a walking track around the ice, and a Sault-themed mural in the lobby

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1 / 1 The grand opening of the Sault's brand-new twin ice pad arena on Goulais Avenue was recognized with a ceremonial puck drop at centre ice on Mar. 6, 2023. Alex Flood/SooToday

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Out with the old and in with the new.

The stands were packed inside the brand-new twin ice pad arena Monday morning as students, athletes, city staff, and other residents came together for the facility’s grand opening.

The public was invited to tour the state-of-the-art arena following a formal presentation that included speeches from Mayor Matthew Shoemaker and MPP Ross Romano.

To commemorate the grand opening, the Sault College men’s and women’s hockey team captains Caleb Wood and Olivia Barsanti were joined by dignitaries at centre ice for a ceremonial puck drop.

The $30 million replacement for the W.J. McMeeken Centre includes two National Hockey League-sized rinks, ten change rooms, two referee rooms, a walking track around the ice, a pro shop, concession, and a stunning mural inside the lobby which pays homage to the Sault.

An expansion to the Northern Community Centre on Goulais Avenue, the twin-pad will invite players of all ages and abilities to play year-round.

The public is invited to enjoy a free community skate on Mar. 14.