As the chill of winter settles over the Prairies, the heartbeat of countless small towns starts to hum again — inside the local rink. It’s where generations have laced up their skates, learned life lessons, and built friendships that last a lifetime. But behind every shining sheet of ice and every warm cup of coffee in the lobby, there’s a group of people who rarely get the spotlight: the rink and arena staff.
These are the true unsung heroes of Prairie winters. While the rest of us are tucked in bed, they’re out there flooding the ice, scraping, sweeping, and fixing — making sure the rink is ready for another day of practices, games, and open skates. Their work starts long before the puck drops and doesn’t end until long after the lights go out.
In small towns especially, rink staff are more than employees — they’re community builders. They know every minor hockey team, every figure skater, and every senior who still comes down for a morning skate. They’re the ones who quietly keep things running when the Zamboni breaks down or a pipe freezes in the middle of January. They shovel snow, fix boards, keep the coffee hot, and always have a story to share by the lobby boards.
Without them, Prairie hockey simply doesn’t happen. The local rink isn’t just a building — it’s the social hub of the community, the winter gathering place where people connect. And it’s the rink attendants, custodians, managers, and volunteers who make that magic possible.
So the next time you walk into your local arena, take a moment to thank the people behind the scenes. They might not wear a jersey, but they’re every bit as important to the game — and to the community — as anyone on the ice.
Here on the Prairies, our rink staff don’t just maintain the ice. They keep alive one of our most cherished traditions — the spirit of small-town hockey.
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