The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A major fire at the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley forced the postponement of games this past weekend between the Klippers and the Estevan Bruins. Kindersley Clarion's Josh Lewis was at the scene at 11:45 a.m. Friday and said, "The fire is well into the new rink. The lobby is definitely destroyed." At least 60 firefighters were on the scene of the arena fire. Various reports have flames shooting anywhere from 40 to 100 feet in the air. The SJHL Board of Governors and member teams wish to express condolences to the community of Kindersley and all stakeholders of the West Central Events Centre from the devastating fire. The SJHL fully understands the importance and positive impact these facilities have on our communities and the sense of loss that is felt. The Kindersley Klippers management team have met and will have ongoing meetings to develop a plan and create options required to ensure the Klippers are back on the ice as soon as possible. The SJHL is committed to ensuring a speedy transition with any actions required. While it is fortunate this tragedy did not result in human loss, it should be noted the Klippers have suffered a very significant loss from basic office equipment to equipment needed to play, ranging from protective wear to sticks, skates, and sweaters. As of Friday, the Klipper management team is waiting for assessment of the building and equipment damage and are also developing a strategic plan to move forward. This may take an undetermined amount of time. As of this time, the Kindersley games for January 16th and 17th are in question. It is still hoped the Kindersley players who have been selected to play in the All-Star Festival will be supplied with equipment and able to participate. As assessments are completed and the Kindersley Klippers management plans are put into place, future notifications will be issued by both the Klippers and the SJHL.
