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WHL Medicine Hat Tigers

Medicine Hat Tigers Issue Arena Flood Update

June 28, 2013 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers News Release


Medicine Hat, AB - The Medicine Hat Arena has now moved into the recovery stage after the South Saskatchewan River deposited four feet of water into the rink earlier this week.

The main goal is to now restore electricity to the 43-year-old building. This will take place over the next couple of weeks. Once electricity is restored, a full building assessment can be done to determine the extent of damage to the ice making equipment.

The Tiger's offices will remained closed while The Arena is without electricity. Staff will continue to work out of their homes for the time being.

The Arena staff, led by Darren Lodon, has done an excellent job in clearing out the mud and sludge that was left behind when the river receded. There was mud in the foot well of the first row of seats and everywhere below on the event level.

A restoration crew will now take over and do the detailed cleaning and disinfecting of the entire ice level area of The Arena. The crews are expected to arrive and begin the massive clean-up tomorrow.

Everything below the waterline that came into contact with contaminated river water must be removed and replaced. This includes the Tiger's and visiting team's dressing rooms, Tiger's coaching offices, the media room, all storage spaces along with the Tiger's Den Lounge. The Arena lunch, tool, medical rooms, and building operation/concession offices are also included in the long list of areas that need to be addressed.

"We find ourselves in the exact same position regarding the rebuild of the event level as we did after the 1995 flood," stated Tigers' senior director, marketing and public relations. "In my preliminary meeting with the head of Parks and Recreation, we have identified the key date of September 21st as our target to be operational in The Arena. The City of Medicine Hat will endeavour to make this happen. We will remain in close communications with The City to further understand situations in the building as they develop."

The Tigers are schedule to have their home opener vs. Lethbridge Hurricanes on Saturday, September 21 at The Arena.

The exact location of the Tiger's training camp, which is to begin August 24th with rookie camp, and the exhibition game slated for Saturday, September 9th Vs. Swift Current Broncos are yet to be determined.

"We will work with The City once they have more information over the next few weeks on which rinks they will be opening later this summer and determine which is the best fit for them and ourselves," said Andjelic. "We fully understand what a difficult time The City of Medicine Hat will have in dealing with all the flooded areas, not just our situation."

"We are happy to hear the majority of evacuees were able to return home over the past couple of days, " commented Andjelic. "There are a lot of people in our neighborhood who find themselves in a very tough situation with facing water in their homes. We know some of those individuals and families will not be able to return due to the extreme conditions. Our hearts go out to all folks who were affected by the flood."

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