The Penhold Regional Multiplex is making hockey history with the painting of Look-Up Lines on its ice surface.
Originally an innovation of Thomas E. Smith, a former hockey player who battled back from a spinal cord injury due to a hockey accident in 2008 when he hit the boards behind the net headfirst, their introduction into hockey arenas is just beginning.
“As far as we can tell, Penhold is the first arena to have the lines painted onto the ice in Canada,” said Mike Szewzuk, Penhold multiplex manager. “I did not know what the lines were when I first saw them on our professional website, but soon researched them and realized it was a simple install.”
The Look-Up Lines warn players to keep their heads up to prevent head and neck injuries, to be careful not to bodycheck players from behind, and provide a visual reminder that they are close to the boards to allow them to make adjustments on-ice.
“When we looked into the lines closely,” said Szewzuk, “It turned out that the cost to the facility was only $650 for the paint, and labour to apply it on-ice. For that level of investment, it made sense to apply the 40-inch wide paint strip safety-wise.”
The facility manager added word of their use of the safety lines has quickly spread.
“A group of arena managers from Red Deer is planning to meet with us to discuss them and will likely implement the safety feature,” said Szewzuk. “We have received some requests across Canada who will also be looking at them for next year.”
Binnendyk, the town's chief administrative officer, was pleased with the attention the Look-Up Line installation has received.
“To date we have not received any complaints about the lines and look forward to helping other communities take an active role in eliminating spinal injuries on the ice,” said Binnendyk.
More information on the lines can be found at justcureparalysis.org/look-up-line.
