The Canadian in New Brunswick: an arena rises from its ashes

BOUCTOUCHE | In small towns, the arena and the community center are usually at the heart of the life of their citizens. However, when one of these buildings goes up in smoke, it’s a bit like the soul of the city that goes away at the same time.

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This is the misfortune experienced by the community of Elsipogtog, New Brunswick, in September 2020, when the Chief Young Eagle Recreation Center was engulfed in flames. Although the structure was not affected, the damage was considerable enough to make the premises inaccessible.

“The inside of the arena was completely ruined. The piping and machinery that was used to create the ice was no longer usable,” said Malian Levi, head of the group that submitted the First Nation’s candidacy for the Kraft Hockeyville competition in 2021.

Winner of the contest, Elsipogtog, the largest Mi’gmaq community in New Brunswick, used the $250,000 prize to repair the roof and walls and to replace windows, scoreboard and bay windows.

On Friday, we were even able to proceed with the inauguration of the recreation center.

“Right now, I am overwhelmed with emotion, launched M^me Levi, the day following this inauguration, while the Canadiens and Senators players were signing autographs at the entrance to the JK Irving Center in Bouctouche, located regarding twenty minutes to the southeast. I will probably start crying at some point during the day, but it will be tears of joy. »

However, M.^me Levi points out that there is still work to be done so that the village of 3,500 people can have access to the rink.

“We realized that there was a leak in the pipes,” she said. Since it is below the surface, you will first have to break all the cement to reach it. In the meantime, young people come to skate here, in Bouctouche. However, the hours of availability are limited. »

Back to basics for Allen

Photo Jonathan Bernier

Jake Allen absolutely wanted to keep the net for the Canadiens for this game played in his native province.

Originally from New Brunswick, more precisely from Fredericton, Jake Allen was on hand for the event.

“It was fantastic,” said the Canadiens goaltender. It is the type of event that is very important. It means a lot to these communities. »

Moreover, in March 2021, Allen had himself campaigned for Elsipogtog by inviting his fellow New Brunswickers to vote massively for this candidacy.

For the 32-year-old athlete, this stop in Bouctouche felt like a homecoming.

“This arena is too new for me to have played there. On the other hand, I often played in the old arena, the Bouctouche Forum, during the minor hockey era,” he said.

Moreover, even if the season will officially begin in a few days and that his position is, of course, assured, Allen wanted to keep the net for this last preseason game.

“To be honest, I never thought I’d play an NHL game at
New Brunswick, he said. I will have a few family members and friends from Fredericton going on the trip. It’s probably planned since the announcement of the event. »

Senators supporters

Photo Jonathan Bernier

The young Nicholas Allain did everything possible to attract the Canadiens players to his side.

Just like the day before, in Gander, there were a few hundred fans wanting to get an autograph or capture a moment with their favorites. If the allegiance to the Habs was practically unanimous on the island of Newfoundland, this time, we were approaching parity.

Cole Caufield and Youppi! stole the show once more. On the other hand, Brady Tkachuk and Claude Giroux also generated their large share of reactions.