When the Yukon’s broomball players take the rink for the coming season they will be doing so under a new roof and LED lights. The financial support for the roof replacement and new lighting came from the Community Development Fund and Lotteries Yukon.

The Community Development fund contributed $167,519 and Lotteries Yukon $17,731 for upgrades to the fabric roof and new LED lighting.

Scott Smith said broomball has been enjoyed by the community for over 35 years and was involved in the facility’s building 20 years ago.

“We built this facility with grant money from the Community Development Fund and Lotteries Yukon so we could enjoy the sport in our own facility on our own times,” said Smith. “The beauty of having this facility is it allows us to play at decent times throughout the week and weekends.”

The upgrades to the broomball rink were needed to update it.

“We just wanted to keep it up to snuff really, in good condition,” said Smith. “The fabric was weathered, it was 20 years old, it was rated anywhere from 10 to 15 years on lifespan.

“It was still holding the now off but it was starting to get holes. Anybody who has had a tarp outside knows what happens.”

The lights that were replaced were gotten from two old rinks that used to exist below the broomball rink on 46 Normandy Road.

“The lights we recycled, they are 30 years old,” said Smith. “The new LED lights are really going to help. They are brighter, they cost less to run, they run cooler – all the benefits. We also got a Good Energy Grant for them.”

With the updates, Smith hopes it will help broomball continue to garner more interest from prospective players.

“We are always looking for new players,” said Smith. “The league has been growing and there has been more support and interest.

“There is always room for new players. A rookie clinic will be held in November, date to be announced. There will also be a referee clinic.”

Smith said there are no other upgrades to the facility planned for the year, just regular maintenance to get the rink playable. Disposing of the old lights is one of the tasks.

“If there are people that are interested in them they can contact us, we’d hate to throw them in the landfill,” said Smith.

“Most are working, only one was out. They are just past their lifespan for us.”

Games will commence once it is cold enough for ice to be in place throughout the day. Smith said that usually happens around the end of October or early November.

The Bob Park Opening Tournament, held at Takhini Arena, will not be held this season.

“It won’t go this year,” said Smith. “With COVID-19 restrictions we are only allowed 10 players per team – five on the ice, five on the bench, plus a goalie.

“It also wouldn’t be cost-effective and hard to manage with social distancing, no change rooms, and no beverage garden in the mezzanine.”

Smith said players are keen to get the season started, even though COVID-19 will make it a year unlike no other.