COLD LAKE - Cold Lake Minor Hockey (CLMH) Director Gord Coggan recently raised concerns over the City of Cold Lake's proposed changes to its Arena and Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy. Issues were brought forward during the March 25 city council meeting.
The amendments, discussed at the March 18 corporate priorities meeting, aim to prioritize events that generate economic benefits in the community.
CLMH raised concerns over the proposed changes, fearing they could be left without available ice on some weekends due to scheduling conflicts.
The discussion highlighted tensions with the Lakeland Lightning program and other ice users, as the limited rink availability continues to create challenges for scheduling and prioritization.
Coggan explained that CLMH is the largest ice user and that any reductions in their access could have significant negative impacts.
“Cold Lake Minor Hockey has been the majority ice user for a long time,” he said. “Has the city considered the negative impacts that will happen to its largest non-profit user group by prioritizing other for-profit groups?”
A major concern was a perceived misunderstanding regarding CLMH’s access to alternate ice facilities, particularly on the nearby military base. Coggan clarified, “We’re allowed eight hours on the base a week. Those hours are limited to Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday mornings. That’s all we get.”
He also dismissed claims that minor hockey was reluctant to use the North Arena, explaining that while the rink is valued, it cannot accommodate all their scheduling needs.
Mayor Craig Copeland argued that with three arenas available, scheduling should not be an issue. “How are we impacting scheduling for minor hockey with three rinks?” he asked.
Coggan explained that CLMH schedules over 2,000 bookings annually, including 324 home games.
“Our league stretches from Provost to Fort McMurray to Hinton. We can’t ask teams to come for a Wednesday night game at 9 p.m. Our games pretty much have to be on weekends,” he explained.
The financial burden on minor hockey was also raised.
“We pay roughly $200,000 a year for ice [time],” Coggan stated, adding that CLMH ensures no child is turned away due to financial constraints.
The conversation also touched on female hockey, with Coggan pointing out that the Jags, the only all-female team under CLMH, could be affected by the changes.
Copeland reassured that council is not looking to reduce minor hockey’s ice time.
“Wouldn’t it be easier just to have minor hockey, the Lightning organization, and other arena users sit down and try to work together?” he suggested.
Coggan agreed that collaboration is key, but stressed the importance of ensuring that minor hockey, as a long-standing community pillar, remains a priority in scheduling decisions.
Coggan clarified who he represents, stating, “When we say ‘we,’ I’m speaking on behalf of the Minor Hockey Association, all the four-year-olds to 17-year-olds who love the game but may not be skilled enough to play for other organizations.”
Copeland responded, stating, “It's not about the level of hockey.”
The discussion highlighted frustrations over what qualifies as a "big event" under the city’s policy. Coggan pointed out, “In that wording of that, you have, and I'll read it for you, the description of a big event. And it says that the Provincial Hockey League (PHL) is a big event. It's not, it’s a regular season.”
Coun. Chris Vining acknowledged the significance of minor hockey tournaments but emphasized the need to balance ice time with other leagues that also bring teams to the city and host events.
During discussions, Coggan explained that a girls' team had to travel out of the city for playoffs due to a showcase event that was being held.
Copeland questioned, “Why didn't you go to the North Arena if the showcase was going on this weekend?”
Coggan replied, “It was booked . . . We didn't have enough ice time.”
Copeland further emphasized the City's investment in three arenas and the need for cooperation, “We have to all work together.”
Coggan responded, “But that's what we're saying Mr. Mayor, we're not working together. You did not call us to the table to get our opinion.”
Coggan also pushed for clearer separation between non-profit and for-profit organizations, warning that the changes could jeopardize minor hockey.
“We might not be able to service an organization if this goes through.”
Copeland confirmed that the rules were changed to allow tournaments in the community, next year. He also mentioned that the City is exploring additional ice options and will work with the Wing Commander to potentially open ice at JJ Parr.
Arena and Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy Amendments were discussed later in the council meeting, where council approved a motion to adjust the priority of bookings. User groups will now be required to work with the staff at the Energy Centre to develop a hockey schedule, with the understanding that administration may intervene, if necessary, but collaboration is essential.
