With hockey season officially in full swing, we recently completed a significant project at a beloved community rink in the heart of Canada’s capital. Given the volume of hockey games being played each and every year across the country, our team is always busy leading up to hockey season helping rinks ensure their spectator netting is in the best shape possible.
One of our more recent hockey-focused projects brought us to Tom Brown Arena, a community ice rink nestled in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood, just west of the city's downtown core. Opened in 1967 as part of Ottawa's network of recreational facilities, the arena has served as a vital gathering spot for decades, hosting ice hockey leagues, public skating sessions, figure skating programs, and community events in a facility that also includes a single NHL-sized ice pad.
After 20 years of service, the existing spectator netting at Tom Brown Arena had reached the end of its lifespan. The netting had been patched multiple times, but deterioration had compromised its effectiveness. Flying pucks posed a risk not only to spectators but also to the arena’s infrastructure, including windows, doorways, and operational equipment. The City of Ottawa recognized the need for a full netting replacement to ensure safety and protect the facility and reached out to our team to help with a new solution.
After the initial conversation, our team conducted a thorough site visit to assess the situation and collaborate with arena staff. We listened to their concerns and specific requirements for the new netting barrier. Precise measurements were taken, and our team developed a comprehensive quote that included the removal of the old netting and the installation of a new, custom-designed netting system.
Our custom arena netting barriers are engineered to provide robust protection for both spectators and facility infrastructure. Designed to withstand the high-impact environment of hockey, our netting ensures safety without obstructing the viewing experience.
This summer, with the ice removed, our team returned to Tom Brown Arena to carry out the installation. The old netting was carefully dismantled, and the new netting barriers were installed efficiently and professionally. Our team worked closely with the arena staff to ensure the project was completed on schedule and to the highest standards.
The new netting system was met with enthusiasm from the City of Ottawa staff, who were delighted with the quality and functionality of the barriers. With the ice back in and hockey season underway, the Tom Brown Arena is now a safer environment for players, spectators, and staff. The new netting effectively protects against flying pucks, ensuring peace of mind for everyone enjoying this community hub.