The Challenge

The rink was originally known as The Gamebreaker Training Centre Rink. It was a world class hockey training facility dedicated to improving hockey skills for kids of all ages in Metro Halifax. After 2 years of operation, the owners decided to shut down. IcePro committed to assist the owners in finding a new home for the rink facility. Fortunately, a phone call from Derm Flynn, Mayor of Appleton – turned out to be great news. Within 3 weeks of seeing the rink a deal was cemented and this rink was being moved to Appleton. Remove an existing, 2-year-old 100-foot x 50-foot rink, pack up over 2000 components, move it 1,130 kilometers away and then reinstall it – all in within a three week window! Coming up with the capital dollars to build a mechanically refrigerated ice rink is a tall order. A basic rink complex could cost $6 million. On top of that it has to be operated at a cost range of $7,000 – $10,000 per month including electricity, Zamboni, operator and so on. In comparison the Town of Appleton was able to complete their project for under $200,000. The operating costs are negligible. They hope to install a roof next season and that may cost another $80,000. However, this is an affordable project for most small communities and opens the door to accessible year-round skating.