Islanders flocking to new arena rink

It can only be described as a success story. What many thought was a harebrained idea for Grand Manan has had many eating their words. Thanks to a new top‑down ice making system and hundreds of hours of volunteer time, the Grand Manan Community Centre Arena has seen an average of 1,500 visits per week by people who are enjoying skating at the ice rink.
"I think I'll have withdrawal symptoms next week," Zamboni driver Allen Morse was heard saying to the fellows lined up watching the skaters, who had come for their last skate of the season on April 3. Morse and many other older hockey players worked to make this dream come true.
"We've always played hockey when we could, but these kids will grow up knowing really how to play, thanks to Carla Ward and the many hours she volunteered teaching the kids," says Pete Sesplankis, director of the Grand Manan Boys and Girls Club. Carla Ward, a Grand Manan Community School teacher, also brought together 30 women, ages 48 to 17, who are learning to play hockey, much to the surprise of the women themselves.
On Sunday, April 3, a celebration of sorts was held. The regular $2 skating fee was waived, and people were served free hot dogs, hot chocolate and coffee.
Sesplankis says, "The season started this year in December, but the plan is to have ice skating for five months of the year." He adds, "We're looking at ideas for using the space in the off season now." So far, in-line skating and floor hockey seem to be the most popular ideas for the rink during the seven months when there will be no ice.
Village Councillor Kirk Cheney reports that the rink is ending the season with $30,000 in the black. Rink committee President Randy Brownlee will be stepping down, and the committee is looking for more board members. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can call Pete Seplankis at the Boys and Girls Club or Verdi Ingersoll.