The Traverse City Record-Eagle’s James Cook reports good news regarding Centre ICE Arena’s fundraising efforts:
Centre Ice Arena is more than 80 percent of the way in repaying the $220,000 it borrowed to meet NHL safety guidelines to host the NHL Prospect Tournament and Detroit Red Wings training camp.
Centre Ice director Terry Marchand said two teams from the Prospects Tournament — Detroit and Dallas — each pitched in $10,000 to help with the costs.
The rink underwent major renovations to both ice surfaces over the last year, following the NHL changes in rink requirements.
“They loved it,” Marchand said of the eight NHL teams participating in the Prospects Tournament. “The rink is set up perfectly for this tournament.”
The $20,000 from the National Hockey League franchises raises the fundraising total to $75,000, on top of a previous $110,000 contribution from Traverse City Tourism. That leaves $35,000 remaining.
The Red Wings promised to return training camp to Traverse City for at least three more years, while Centre Ice has a commitment from the Prospect Tournament of five years. It’s unlikely the Red Wings would leave before the tournament.
