THUNDER BAY – The city’s manager of community services has confirmed Fort William Gardens will be ready for the Lakehead Thunderwolves to kick off non-conference OUA men’s hockey play on Friday night.
Kelly Robertson said damage to a refrigeration system pipe occurred while work was taking place at the aging facility, which led to a one-week delay in the scheduled opening of the facility while the chemicals spilled were cleaned up and replaced and the pipe was repaired.
She added they had to be shipped in from Winnipeg, which led to the delay.
“Staff sent me a picture of the ice this morning. It’s looking fabulous and while we had a little bit of a hiccup with the renewal of the refrigeration plant and we lost a bit of time there, everything is back on track for this weekend,” Robertson said.
“We’ve had a couple of groups in actually skating on the ice which helps the cure it and helps us get it right up to snuff.”
Robertson said the issue did not add any cost to the renovation budget.
The Thunderwolves. who had to postpone last weekend's home games against Laurentian, are scheduled to take on the Guelph Gryphons on Friday and Saturday night. The Thunder Bay North Stars open their home schedule next Friday against the Thief River Falls Norskies.
