Red Deer College has entered into a three-year agreement worth $150,000 with the Town of Penhold to allow its men's hockey team to use the multiplex.
Securing the arena was a key component in the effort to revive Kings hockey, since the men's team was disbanded in 2004.
ìThey're getting a reliable tenant that's going to be using this facility to its full advantage,î said Michael Donlevy, vice-president of community relations at Red Deer College. ìIt gives Penhold a chance to showcase what it has available.î
In September, the college announced the Kings would be returning to play for the 2013-14 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season, and the quest to secure a suitable arena ramped up.
ìOur hope is that we're going to be putting a team on the ice that's highly competitive,î Donlevy said. ìWe're quite happy with this.î
In the agreement the Kings are guaranteed practice time and game time during the regular season. Red Deer College will also make improvements to a dressing room and establish a coach's office, which will be designated for their exclusive use during the season.
Any playoff ice time necessary would be billed separately.
Red Deer College will also get two in-ice logos, and two board advertisements, which will be installed by town staff.
ìWe think we can add the brand value of a college to Penhold,î Donlevy said.
Red Deer College hopes to have its own facility open in 2017, but Donlevy told council Jan. 14 there is the possibility of renewing the agreement or securing a contract with the Queens women's hockey program, which is currently locked into a contract in Red Deer.
ìI'm glad to hear that men's hockey is coming back,î said Coun. Danielle Klooster.
Mayor Dennis Cooper said a lot of behind-the-scenes work is finally bearing fruit.
ìWe've been knocking on your door for many years,î he said to Donlevy, noting development of the 88 acres of land behind the multiplex could provide opportunities to extend the relationship with the college down the road. ìWe're hoping you can be part of those plans.î
"I'm glad to hear that men's hockey is coming back."Coun. Danielle Klooster
