Alberta Cup supports permanent press box

Posted on: jamacsadmin

Sharon McLeay    
Times Reporter   
 
When Calgary held the Olympics, all the buildings built were left for the perpetual use of Calgarians. In the same vein, the Strathmore Hosts Organizing Committee (ACOC) for the Alberta Cup want the press box for the Family Centre to be built in a manner that will allow continued use for Strathmore’s sporting events over many years.
“The facility that we have there now is not working for us. It is old and out of date. There is no room for what we need to do on a daily basis, whether on weekends, or for the Bisons, or some of the other bigger events. The press box just doesn’t accomplish what it needs to,” said Wayne Hanson, ACOC Host Chairman and President of the Strathmore Minor Hockey Association. 
The council granted the committee $10,000 for a temporary wood structure in July 6, 2012. A temporary wood structure would use a steeplejack method for support and may have to be taken down after the event; if left up it could cost more for maintenance, as wood structures deteriorate over time.  
However, Host ACOC organizers wanted to utilize the existing grant on an improved permanent structure, costing $50,510, and gain a grant for the residual amount from Council. Brad Hammond, ACOC Host Treasurer, has 14 years construction experience and used his contacts to develop the conceptual drawings, structural steel construction designs and material costs for the permanent box. Hammond said developing the plans and getting the funding is the most difficult part of the project. 
“The construction is the easier part,” said Hammond. “This looks like a substantial amount of money, but it is a substantial structure.”
The group stated the plan includes in kind donations of volunteer work and discounts on materials that may cost council a good deal more if the job went to tender. They noted a project like this also brings community members together for a good cause. They would also be looking at applying for grant money, but that money may not arrive in time. The Committee has committed to have the plan finished prior to April 2013. Any money gained by grants would be repaid to the Town of Strathmore.
The after-event bonus of a permanent box would be:
• durability and safety
• use for handicap seating
• a communication centre that would support other bigger events
• a music and evaluation station for figure skating
• a safer spot and better photographic opportunities for press and photographers covering the games that highlight Strathmore and local talent
• a secure and comfortable evaluation center for minor hockey player evaluations
The building material is structural steel and concrete, bolted onto the stairs at the north end of the gold arena, overtop of the existing Zamboni room.  Its placement was chosen for the best viewing without interrupting the existing seating. A few seats would have to go, but Hanson said if it is a problem, those long-time fans losing their special spot would be welcome in the box. The existing grant of $2,000 for the audio system upgrade is incorporated into the plan.
Councillor Earl Best noted a change in the figures, up from a previous budget. Hammond said it was changes in the cost of the structural steel and the structural engineer gave more precise estimates.
Council said that any construction jobs on town facilities have to go to tender. They directed staff to find out if a tender is needed, when the project is initiated by a community organization, or whether a special resolution could be made for this situation. The committee is to get a final answer at the next council meeting.
The  Host ACOC organizers were hoping the grant would go through, but indicated they would still diligently pursue the other funding sources such as Alberta Lottery recreation grants and were confident the structure would be in place for the games. 
Strathmore hosts the 2013-2014 games on April 25-28, 2013. It is the premier Alberta event where scouts prepare their picks for Western Hockey League Bantam drafts. The Alberta Cup is taking registrations now for male players born in 1998. Registration deadline is March 15, 2013. Players make sure registration is in the zone where your permanent residence is located. The zone boundary map can be found at www.hockeyalberta.ca and follow the links. All 8 Zone Camps will take place March 29th-31st, 2013.
Jerrold Lemko,Vice Chair-Hockey Development Committee for the Alberta Cup, mentioned on their website that the Alberta Cup goes beyond player evaluation and identification. It is also an opportunity for administrators, coaches, referees and trainers to be evaluated. He stated competition identifies top level ‘hockey people’, for potential positions at higher level events, Hanson stated such as Jordan Eberie, Devan Dubnyk, Dany Heatley, Braden Holtby, Jay Bouwmeester, Dion Phaneuf, Scott Harnell and Devin Setoguchi expanded their hockey careers from participating in the Alberta Cup.