Leader’s Zamboni replacement project nears its $130,000 goal!
By Joan Janzen
A crucial piece of equipment in the maintenance and operation of ice surfaces is the Zamboni, which is why a committee at Leader has been busy raising funds. Since December 2022, the Leader Minor Hockey Zamboni replacement project has raised over $100,000.
Tyler Smith, president of Leader Minor Hockey, said he expects they will reach their goal of $130,000 in a matter of weeks. The Zamboni committee consists of: Tyler Smith, Nick Feiffer, Travis Feiffer, Amy Marcotte, Angelique Steier, Leanne Patzack and Pam Bischoff.
PHOTO SUBMITTED: This 1991 Zamboni is operating its last season, and will be replaced next winter thanks to the generous donations from Leader businesses and organizations.
The fundraising committee informed the public that their 1991 Zamboni is reaching the end of its lifespan and has been requiring increasingly costly repairs. “This year, we were lucky to be able to repair it locally to have it running for the 2022/2023 ice season. However, we have been informed that the anticipated repairs that still need to be completed will be quite expensive and require the Zamboni to be shipped elsewhere,” Tyler stated.
Their current 1991 Zamboni will be replaced by next winter, and the committee estimates the cost of the new equipment will be around $130,000.00. Tyler said they’re looking into replacing the equipment and will likely purchase it from either a company in Regina or Calgary.
The G3 IcePlex is utilized by multiple ages and organizations, skating clubs, minor hockey, public skating, scrimmage and the Leader Flyers senior hockey team, all of which will benefit from the upgrade in equipment.
Fundraising kicked off with a raffle when Pattison Ag, Charnetski Farms, Estuary Colony and Gill Ventures donated a mower and tools. Minor Hockey, the figure skating club and the pumpkin growers all helped to sell tickets, and the final tally amounted to over $16,000.00!
There will be advertising opportunities on the new machine and donor board for corporate sponsors. Platinum sponsorship is $10,000 plus; gold: is $5,000 plus; silver: is $2500 plus, and bronze: is $500 plus. So far, more than a dozen businesses and organizations have stepped up to contribute to the project and raffle.
“There’s been lots of community support. Any and all support is appreciated for this project as the rink is the heart of the community during the long winter months,” Tyler noted.