A failed net peg sleeve caused the bad ice which postponed Saturday night's Ontario Hockey League (OHL) game between Barrie Colts and the visiting Niagara IceDogs.
Dan Bell, the city’s recreation director, said the OHL mandated using Marsh Pegs for its hockey nets a decade ago, and it was about that time Sadlon Arena was retrofitted with net peg sleeves.
“The net peg sleeve gave way along the edge of the sleeve and had split, which wasn’t visible and staff were unaware of,” he said. “The team drilled the Marsh Peg into the net peg sleeve, but due to the split that they were unaware of, it caused the glycol line to fail.
“Once the glycol leaks, it makes the ice unsafe for the skaters, as it contaminates the ice surface and prevents the cooling system from working at peak efficiency, so the ice can get soft," Bell added.
Bell said Monday afternoon that repairs were underway and city staff anticipate Thursday’s home game between the Colts and Mississauga Steelheads will be able to proceed.
While there isn’t yet a final repair cost, Bell said he expects it to be less than $5,000.
Saturday’s game against the IceDogs will now take place on Tuesday, March 19 at Sadlon Arena, with the teams facing off shortly after 7 p.m.