With no arena, Hay River hockey goes old school this winter

Hay River's hockey season this year will look much like it would have 100 years ago. That may keep some people indoors, but for others, it's a chanceto get back to the roots of the game.

With the recreation centre being rebuilt over the winter, there are no indoor rinks available any closer thanFort Smith, a three-hour drive away.

"We have an opportunity to do something that we would never do unless we were in a circumstance like this, and that's going back to playing hockey like we used to outdoors, in the elements, in wintertime,"says Kevin Wallington, a former council member and local businessman.

"If we make the most of it, it'll be a winter we never forget."

The town did try to come up with an alternative plan, involving Aurora Ford's large vinyl tent, but that plan was shut down over safety concerns; the tent was not up to code for a large gathering of people.

There are plans instead for three rinks: one in the 553 subdivision, one in Old Townand another in a location that is yet to be decided. Last year it was behind the fire hall, but Coun.Keith Doheysaid when he took care of it last year it was underused

Other councillorssuggested the third rink should be in the south endin order to provide one in walking distance to the homes of people not living north of downtown.

Walking to the rink with skate bladecovers on andcocoa in hand,would, after all,fit with this winter's theme.