Space to play at The Rink

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/05/2019 (2510 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Rink Training Centre’s president, Ryan Cyr, said every inch of the new location at 57 South Landing Dr. was planned perfectly.

“It’s made the logistics of running the business much easier,” he said. This includes a fast commute from Cyr’s home in La Salle to the new site in the RM of Macdonald, just off McGillivray Blvd. The Rink formerly operated at 91 Lowson Cres. in Winnipeg.

“Our feedback’s been very positive on the new location,” Cyr said, with many people accessing The Rink from the Perimeter Highway.

While a date for the 95,000 square-foot hockey training centre’s grand opening hasn’t been set yet, staff began using the new site in early April.

The new building houses The Rink Player Development, GDI Goaltender Development, Testify Performance and the Rink Hockey Academy (RHA) of the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL).

Unlike the former location, the new building houses an NHL-sized ice surface that will be used as a practise rink for Winnipeg Ice. The Western Hockey League team, formerly Kootenay Ice, will start its first season in Winnipeg this fall with games to be played at the University of Manitoba’s Wayne Fleming Arena.

Cyr said Winnipeg Ice administration offices will be located within the building. Team ownership group 50 Below Sports and Entertainment is working to receive approval to build an arena complex close to The Rink.

A retail area situated next to the front lobby is selling Winnipeg Ice merchandise along with The Rink’s sportswear. Staff offer custom fitting for goalie equipment and a precision skate sharpener operates within the store’s space.

The Rink will also be home to the Winnipeg Blues, a Manitoba Junior Hockey League team, as well as to the Rink Hockey Academy.

“Having more space allows us to expand our Hockey Academy,” Cyr said.

A 60×120-foot rink is used for three-on-three play and skills training for players age three and up. A smaller ice surface is designed for goalie training.

The upstairs houses Testify Performance, a 7,000-square-foot gym that focuses on sports training and rehabilitation, and a three-lane, 200-metre indoor running track for off-ice and performance training.

Cyr said the expansion has engendered a staff increase with 35 employees now working.
About 16 staff members work off-site as The Rink provides player and goalie development service in about 18 communities across Manitoba.

Recently an adult premiere men’s hockey league has started using The Rink for its games, and Cyr hopes to attract a women’s league in the future.

For more information on The Rink, see https://www.therink.ca