View Full Version : Ice mishap updates
These next three articals are all from http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
I'll start with the editorial on Page 2.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Put CN Centre mishaps on ice
How low can it go for major junior hockey in Prince George?
For the past several years the Prince George Cougars have lurched from one public relations crisis to another. Negatives ranging from on-ice futility and drafting blunders to unpopular ownership have resulted in much of the paying public taking an apathetic view of the team. It's to the point now that any crowd larger than 3,000 is considered a pretty good turnout.
The Cougars have been adroit at creating their own misfortune so they certainly don't need anyone's help. They got it anyway Saturday night.
The Cougars' latest embarrassment isn't their fault, but they're the ones with egg on their faces around the Western Hockey League. Responsibility falls at the feet of the team's landlord -- the City of Prince George and the people who operate CN Centre.
This being Prince George and a self-professed hockey town, the one thing you would expect we could do properly is make ice.
Apparently not.
For those who haven't followed this fall's CN Centre ice follies, here's a quick recap. In late September a new Zamboni began leaking oil and damaged the ice. The old ice was removed and a new sheet installed in time for the Cougars' season opener, but without on-ice logos and advertising. Those were added later.
In mid October a professional rodeo was held in the arena. The ice was covered with a layer of wood chips below several inches of sand and clay. This resulted in extensive damage to several portions of the ice surface when crews tried to remove the mix after the rodeo.
In retrospect it appears the ice should have been replaced again, but the decision was made to attempt to repair the damaged sections, which in some cases were scraped down to the concrete floor.
The latest hex on the Cougars came Saturday night when their game against the Everett Silvertips was called off after the second period because the mesh of one of the on-ice logos became exposed, making conditions unplayable.
The hockey team's complaints about the condition of the CN Centre ice pre-dates even the first incident with the leaky Zamboni.
It's incomprehensible that CN Centre would take a such a casual approach to dealing with an issue as critical as ice condition knowing full well the Cougars' dissatisfaction since training camp. Arrangements should have been made to replace the ice during the 17-day stretch between Cougars home games of Oct. 10 to Oct. 27.
Keep in mind the Cougars are only the most high-profile organization affected. Other tenants include Prince George minor hockey, recreational hockey, figure skating and speedskating clubs, all of whom have a right to expect the safest conditions possible.
It has been suggested that non-ice events at CN Centre, such as concerts and home shows, affect the ice's condition. That shouldn't be an issue because virtually every other building in the WHL is used for the same purposes. CN Centre was designed as a multi-use facility (it's how it was given its original name -- the Multiplex) so if concerts and home shows are the culprit for giving Prince George the reputation for having the worst ice in the WHL, something's not right.
Whatever the reasons, city hall had best get to the bottom of it and fix it.
The Cougars, other tenants and most importantly the owners of CN Centre -- local taxpayers -- deserve answers, and action.
-- Editor Dave Paulson
From: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
CN Centre ice set for action
by JASON PETERS, Citizen staff
A 60-minute hockey game — or maybe longer — is expected to be played at CN Centre on Wednesday night.
When the Prince George Cougars play host to the Brandon Wheat Kings, the faulty CN Centre ice surface that resulted in the postponement of a Cougars-Everett Silvertips game on Saturday night should be back in proper condition.
“We practiced on it (Monday) and everything seemed okay,” Cougars general manager Dallas Thompson said Monday afternoon.
The problem area Saturday night was at the east end of the building, behind the net. An on-ice logo, made from mesh, became exposed after the ice had been resurfaced between the second and third periods. Playing conditions were deemed unsafe by the teams and the Western Hockey League, and, with Prince George leading 2-1, the third period was called off. It will now be played on Feb. 27 when the Silvertips are back in town as part of a road trip (see below).
The trouble spot behind the net was not a factor during the Cougars’ Monday practice, which began at 2:15 p.m. “They had taken that logo out and repaired the ice,” Thompson said. “I believe (Monday night) they’re going to be putting (a new) logo back in and we’ve been reassured that everything is 100 per cent.”
Earlier Monday, Thompson met with Tom Madden, director of leisure services. Thompson considered the get-together productive. “We voiced our concerns in a meeting, which I think went very well,” Thompson said. “I’m confident that the ice situation will be sorted out and better from now on.
“We needed to clear out how to make it better and I think we threw around some pretty good ideas here and I think we’ll get there.
“I think it’s unfortunate the problem with the ice came to this but it certainly has been recognized and I think will be rectified.”
Cougars business manager Brandi Brodsky said the ice surface — which was replaced once this season and then patched after it was damaged during cleanup from the West of the Rockies rodeo — does not need to be re-done from scratch. “They didn’t bury that logo far enough (into the ice) — the rest of the ice is fine,” she said. “They’re going to be working on it. They’ve got some plans in place. For their long-term plan, they’re going to bring in (a consultant) from the NHL. They’ve talked to him already and he’s going to come in and look at the ice and the way that it’s running.
“The NHL, before every game they give an ice survey to the refs and one to each of the coaches, and then after the game they fill it out and bring it back. We’re going to start doing that so we can get regular feedback on the conditions of the ice, which I’m very happy about. I think that’s a great idea and I’m really impressed that they’ve already called this guy from the NHL.”
The spots on the ice that have been patched, Brodsky said, will fade from view over time.
“That’s paint that you’re seeing there,” she said. “It has nothing to do with the condition of the ice. What they have assured us is that, as the ice gets skated on and resurfaced with the Zamboni, that will become less and less noticeable.”
The City of Prince George issued a media release Monday, taking responsibility for Saturday night’s incident and apologizing to the Cougars, Silvertips and fans.
“It is with tremendous disappointment that I received word of the ice problems on Saturday evening, and the inconvenience it caused to all involved,” Mayor Colin Kinsley said in the release. “On behalf of city council and city staff I offer sincere apologies to the Cougars’ staff and players, the Everett Silvertips, and to our dedicated hockey fans.”
Brodsky was happy to see the City make a public statement on the matter. “Everybody kind of knew it was their fault anyway, but it was nice to hear them say, ‘Yes, it’s our fault, and yes, we’re sorry and we’re going to make it right,’” she said.
Wednesday’s game faces off at 7 p.m.
Again from: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Cats, Silvertips will have long night in late February
by JASON PETERS, Citizen staff
Plans have been finalized for the completion of Saturday’s Western Hockey League game between the Prince George Cougars and Everett Silvertips.
The game, postponed after two periods with Prince George leading 2-1 at CN Centre, will wrap up Feb. 27, a Tuesday night. Saturday’s third period will be played first, beginning at 7 p.m. The score will read 2-1 in favour of the Cougars. If the teams end up tied, overtime and, if necessary, a shootout, would follow. All statistics from the first two periods will stand as recorded.
Following the conclusion of the first game, a regular intermission will be held. Then, that night’s regularly-scheduled game will be played.
Cougars general manager Dallas Thompson said he is satisfied with the arrangement.
“I think it’s our only option,” he said. “Obviously it would have been great to finish the game the other night as it was scheduled but this is the best-case scenario. There’s a period to be played and two points to be awarded and stats to be awarded. I think this is the only way that can get done.”
Fans who were at Saturday’s postponed game (announced attendance of 2,810) were asked by the public address announcer to keep their ticket stubs. Fans can present those ticket stubs on Feb. 27. For the final three periods that night, Thompson said the City of Prince George and the team would “take care” of the fans.
“We’re going to be issuing, probably by Wednesday jointly with the City, our plan on how to rectify that whole situation, but everybody will be taken care of,” Thompson said.
Now we get to ask some questions and pick this apart.
Earlier Monday, Thompson met with Tom Madden, director of leisure services. Thompson considered the get-together productive. “We voiced our concerns in a meeting, which I think went very well,” Thompson said. “I’m confident that the ice situation will be sorted out and better from now on.
I would have LOVED to be a fly on the wall for this meeting. I can't imagine the City people were saying to much at all.
Cougars business manager Brandi Brodsky said the ice surface — which was replaced once this season and then patched after it was damaged during cleanup from the West of the Rockies rodeo — does not need to be re-done from scratch. “They didn’t bury that logo far enough (into the ice) — the rest of the ice is fine,” she said. “They’re going to be working on it. They’ve got some plans in place. For their long-term plan, they’re going to bring in (a consultant) from the NHL. They’ve talked to him already and he’s going to come in and look at the ice and the way that it’s running.
Why is the City cheaping out here and only bring in a 'consultant' and not going looking for a certified ice specialist? (Zamboni John....job opening for ya :D )
Fans who were at Saturday’s postponed game (announced attendance of 2,810) were asked by the public address announcer to keep their ticket stubs. Fans can present those ticket stubs on Feb. 27. For the final three periods that night, Thompson said the City of Prince George and the team would “take care” of the fans.
“We’re going to be issuing, probably by Wednesday jointly with the City, our plan on how to rectify that whole situation, but everybody will be taken care of,” Thompson said.
I hope this means they aren't just going to 'look after' those who bought walk up ticket and do nothing for the season ticket holders. As STH's we paid for 36 games, not 35 2/3, so if walk-up tickets can get in to the Feb 27th game with the Oct ticket stub, they batter be doing something for the STHs as well. I can't imagine how they will make compensation to the few Everett fans that were there. I did see a couple of Washigton licence plates in the parking lot.
The game, postponed after two periods with Prince George leading 2-1 at CN Centre, will wrap up Feb. 27, a Tuesday night. Saturday’s third period will be played first, beginning at 7 p.m. The score will read 2-1 in favour of the Cougars. If the teams end up tied, overtime and, if necessary, a shootout, would follow. All statistics from the first two periods will stand as recorded.
Following the conclusion of the first game, a regular intermission will be held. Then, that night’s regularly-scheduled game will be played.
This is going to be a loooong night for fans and players alike. Imagine if the regular game goes into OT and then a shootout? Even starting at 7PM, this game(s) are going to go until 10:30-11:00 depending on the speed and flow of it all. Makes me also wonder are they bringing Smith and Matsuoka in for the third period, and have someone else do the regular game?
As the press releases come in I'll try to keep everyone updated on here.
Oh ya....rumor has it (of the Network54 board) that two people from the City are currently unemployed. Possibly the CNCenter manager and someone from Leisure services? This isn't confirmed and only a rumor right now, but I'll try and do some digging.
Press release for the City of Prince George.
http://www.city.pg.bc.ca/pages/media2006/2006_10_30.html
CN Centre Ice Surface Problems - October 28, 2006
At the Saturday, October 28th Cougars Hockey Game the CN Centre’s ice surface became unplayable. The mesh advertising logo had come through the ice surface behind the east end goal and attempts to repair the ice were unsuccessful. Arena staff has determined that the ice depth covering the logo was insufficient where the ice problems were concentrated. Further, Arena staff has researched the installation of logos to ensure that this situation will not repeat itself.
“It is with tremendous disappointment that I received word of the ice problems on Saturday evening, and the inconvenience it caused to all involved,” says Mayor Colin Kinsley. “On behalf of City Council and City staff I offer my sincere apologies to the Cougars staff and players, the Everett Silvertips, and to our dedicated hockey fans.”
City staff has met with the Prince George Cougars to discuss details of the event and to ensure the ice problems are resolved.
“I would like to apologize to all those who were at Saturday’s game,” says Tom Madden, the City’s Director of Leisure Services. “The City has followed up on the problems and will be putting new processes in place to ensure the ice problems are resolved.”
The City of Prince George and the Prince George Cougars are discussing potential compensation options for the postponement of the game. The two parties are also discussing options to compensate those that were in attendance. Details of the compensation for those in attendance at Saturday’s game will be made available in the near future. Details regarding the compensation for the cancellation of the game will be made available as they are confirmed.
For more information please call Tom Madden, Director of Leisure Services by calling 561-7644 or by email to tmadden@city.pg.bc.ca
Media Contact:
Tom Madden, Director of Leisure Services
Phone: 561-7644
Email: tmadden@city.pg.bc.ca
Oh ya....rumor has it (of the Network54 board) that two people from the City are currently unemployed. Possibly the CNCenter manager and someone from Leisure services? This isn't confirmed and only a rumor right now, but I'll try and do some digging.
Its not a rumor any more. I just heard it confirmed on the radio news, and here it is as a newsrelease.
Paul-CN Centre Firings
The city of Prince George has fired the manager of CN Centre, Phil Beaulieu, and CN Centre supervisor Diane Rogers in the wake of the ice fiasco at last Saturday's Cougars game. While city manager George Paul confirmed the firings this morning he would not elaborate on why. Paul says the city and the Cougars are discussing potential compensation options for the postponement of the game. Leisure Services Manager Tom Madden is overseeing operations at CN Centre on an interim basis.
From: http://www.1013theriver.com/Web/Page.aspx?Component=249
old_time_hockey
10-31-2006, 04:42 PM
If it was the idea of the 2 people that got the sack to throw down the clay and sand directly on the ice, they 110% got what was coming to them.
How could anyone be that stupid. Lay boards down first. Being a Multiplex you would have figured that they would already have a set made up.
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