The Frankford Huskies PJHL Jr. C hockey team is seeking support from Quinte West Council to expand their capacity and reduce ice rates at Frankford Arena.
In a deputation to council on Wednesday, team owner Scott Scaletta said that the limited capacity for seating spectators negatively impacts team’s revenue compared to other teams in their league, in particular during the current postseason period.
“Even at full attendance, our gate revenue is significantly lower than the other teams playing in our league,” Scaletta explained.
“This creates an inherent disadvantage, one that is unrelated to team performance or management, but solely due to the size of the venue.”
Scaletta said while he and the organization understand all users of the arena pay the same hourly rates, Huskies game nights have a community atmosphere that brings residents of the area together, benefiting local businesses and the community at large beyond the ice rates.
Coun. Leslie Roseblade inquired about potentially moving games to Trenton and the Duncan McDonald Community Gardens, which hosted Game 2 of the Huskies current Schmaltz Cup Semifinal Series and could potentially host Game 6, while continuing to practice at the Frankford rink, and bringing minor hockey to Frankford.
Scaletta admitted he didn’t know if it was a possibility but acknowledged it would still be hard to get ice time in Trenton with how many dates the other tenants such as the Golden Hawks and others would need to book.
Frankford Ward Coun. Lynda Reid said that Frankford fans would not be pleased if that suggestion was to be considered and said having been to many games at the arena, she feels there is still plenty of room for fans to pack into.
“You started the team in Frankford knowing full well the size of the Frankford Arena. A brand new dressing room
“You have the upstairs, you have the lobby, you have both sides,” she said.
“We’ve got a great thing going and I think that you need to be loyal to the fans who are loyal to you.”
Coun. Zack Card added that it would be unfair to the other groups to offer just one user of the facility a preferential rate.
“The other fee payers that are paying a similar rate would obviously want a similar reduction. I’m sure that would be a glaring inequity,” Card stated.
“I don’t think that we can pass out money on this basis.”
“The other fee payers that are paying a similar rate would obviously want a similar reduction. I’m sure that would be a glaring inequity,” said Councillor Card. “I don’t think that we can pass out money on this basis.”
Quinte West Director of Recreation Jaclyn Grimmon told Scaletta and council there are no renovation plans in the cards for Frankford Arena at this time.
However, she said representatives of the Huskies and other major ice stakeholders in the municipality do have the opportunity to take part in an arena feasibility study that could make recommendations to council on any changes.
Council accepted the report but took no action.
