Work has begun on the new Tsuu T’ina Nation All Chiefs Sportsplex and Jim Starlight Community Hall.

The first phase of the $48-million dollar project will see two new ice arenas built with an estimated completion goal 18 months.

Officials said the arenas will be also be available to Calgary teams in much need of ice time.

“It’s a great bridge between the communities,” said Tsuu T’ina spokesman Kevin Littlelight.

“A lot of our kids play with the Calgary teams. It’s quite the catalyst to keep us going and it’s a partnership with Calgarians to keep our sports spirit going.”

The new arena will replace the Seven Chiefs arena, which was closed to make way for the SW portion of the ring road last year. The Seven Chiefs arena operated for 40 years and is now being prepped for demolition.

In the interim, Tsuu T’ina teams have been cooperating with Calgary rinks to find ice time for their players.

Tsuu T’ina Councillor Dean Manywounds said the nation has a proud history of athleticism.

“It gives us the strength together to go and move forward. And that started a long time ago when we were those feared warriors. That came from athleticism.”

The addition of the sportsplex arenas could help alleviate the pressure felt on Calgary ice rinks during peak times.

Kevin Kobelka, executive director of Hockey Calgary, says he hasn’t communicated with the Tsuu T’ina Nation directly on usage of the arenas, but in the big picture, it will certainly help.

“We have a shortage of ice time in the prime time slots between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weekdays and we definitely need more,” he said. “We’d love to get more access.”

Future phases are planned as part of the project to expand the sportsplex with additional facilities.

 

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