By Sabrina Kraft
Hockey fans are enjoying a much brighter experience, after new LED lights were installed into Crescent Point Place and the Tom Zandee Sports Arena.
It is also a much better playing surface for hockey teams. Players from the Red Wings and Gold Wings provided their opinions on the LED lights.
Red Wings right winger Braden Mellon has spent many years in the Weyburn rinks, since he started his hockey passion at the Weyburn Minor Hockey level.
“I love the new lights. It is much brighter out there, and just feels much better to be playing in our rink.”
Braden started playing hockey when he was nine years old, and spent a lot of time in the Weyburn rinks.
“It just feels different. While it is not a whole new rink, these lights are still definitely a big change. It is nice,” said Mellon.
The brighter lights also make it easier to find the puck, “especially when it goes up in the air.”
Red Wings defenseman Josh Cronin noted that the bright lights also make it easier to see the ice surface. “It is a lot better than it was before.”
“We can just see each other out there much better when the puck is much quicker,” said Cronin.
The brighter lights is also an asset for Red Wings goaltender Jack Burgart, who is ranked second place in the league right now, with a goal-against-average of 2.05. Burgart is quite close to first place.
“There are less shadows, and it is much easier to see out there.”
One of the reasons behind the new LED lights was to upgrade the lights for the upcoming 2016 Esso Cup, which will be hosted by the Southern Range Gold Wings.
Gold Wings defenseman Macy Liebreich said “it just makes things easier out on the ice.”
“Everything looks a lot more freshened up (in the rink) this year, and ready to go for the Esso Cup.”
“I think that these changes will make a good impression for all the teams who are coming to Weyburn for the Esso Cup.”
Liebreich noted that the Gold Wings are very excited about showcasing Weyburn for the Esso Cup.
Gold Wings forward Sarah Hornoi said that she had noticed the change from the very first practice after the lights were changed. “It was pretty amazing, it made such a huge difference.”
“The lights brighten everything thing up, and just makes the centre feel like a newer hockey rink. It helps with the game, a lot.”
Gold Wings goaltender Chantal Burke agreed that it is easier to see the puck and keep her eyes alert to the action on the ice.
“With these new lights, the puck is almost vibrant. It is much easier to see.”
In addition to receiving good reviews from the players themselves, many fans have also noticed the brightness to the rink.
The other benefit, according to the City of Weyburn, is the LED lights will help reduce energy costs in the long run.
