IceDogs embark on brand new era

Wednesday October 15, 2014

By Josh Sweetland/OHL

The Niagara IceDogs are all moved in and ready to begin a new era with bite in St. Catharines on Thursday night when the puck will drop for the first time at the brand new Meridian Centre.

A 5,300 seat, 160,000 square-foot facility located at One IceDogs Way, the new facility is ready to go and opens it’s doors when the hometown IceDogs host the visiting Belleville Bulls.

The recently completed $50 million project that broke ground back on December 20, 2012, features an open bowl concept that provides great sightlines of the ice from anywhere in the building.

“After familiarizing ourselves with our new surroundings these past few weeks at the Meridian Centre, it’s a strange feeling to walk into our old domain at the Gatecliff where we’ve been practicing and realize that we’ve been playing there for the past seven years. It’s a really stark contrast,” said IceDogs Governor Bill Burke. “We’re really excited to unveil the new facility to our fans. It’s state-of-the-art with a high ceiling and it offers the versatility to host a wide range of events.”

With two indoor parking garages and the numerous amenities along St. Paul Street just a stone’s throw away, Burke says the Meridian Centre is a place for fans young and old. “IceDogs hockey has always been a great game with great excitement for the whole family, but now we can finally house that product in a great facility.”

Among some of the other exciting features inside the facility include a brand new $850,000 scoreboard built by Daktronics, the St. Catharines sports wall of fame, and a spacious, fully ventilated IceDogs dressing room with fitness facilities.  

In addition to housing the IceDogs, the multi-purpose venue can seat up to 6,000 for other special events. Musician Dallas Green, who performs as City and Colour, is set to play as the centre’s opening act on October 21. 

The IceDogs will also host the 2015 BMO CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in their new home on January 22.

“There were some crowded, chilly nights at the Gatecliff but it was a unique atmosphere in the old building,” Burke continued. “We’re really making it our goal to maintain that buzz of excitement at the Meridian Centre but at the same time, be able to provide our very deserving fans with a venue that everyone can get excited about.”

For more information please visit niagaraicedogs.net.