- New Three-Pad Ice Facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana -
BURNABY, BC, Aug. 17 /CNW/ - Canlan Ice Sports Corp. (TSX: ICE),
providers of the on-ice experience to youth and adults across North America,
today announced that it is expanding its U.S. operations by entering into a
lease agreement to operate Ice Sports Fort Wayne, a three-pad, 108,000
square-foot facility currently under construction in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
"Today's announcement is consistent with our strategy to drive revenue
growth through targeted expansion," said Joey St-Aubin, President and CEO of
Canlan Ice Sports. "By applying our more than 15 years of ice sports industry
experience and introducing proven programs that drive increased traffic and
use, we believe that we can capitalize on the growing demand in many U.S
markets for the recreational on-ice experience."
Canlan will lease and operate Ice Sports Fort Wayne for a period of up to
20 years with an option to purchase the facility during the first seven years
of the lease. As operators of Ice Sports Fort Wayne, Canlan will offer
multiple hockey and skating programs, including the Canlan Skating Academy,
Hockey Academy and the Adult Safe Hockey League, North America's most
successful adult recreational hockey program. Canlan will also operate the
facility's 200-seat full-service restaurant.
Ice Sports Fort Wayne, which will employ approximately 65 people, is
expected to open in November, 2009. Following construction of the new
facility, Canlan will own or operate 22 facilities across North America with a
combined total of 65 playing surfaces.
In addition, Canlan has also agreed to manage an existing city-owned
facility in Fort Wayne for 10 years. The building will operate under the name
McMillen Ice Arena. As part of its mandate, Canlan's objective will be to
introduce efficiencies and reduce operating costs by operating both
facilities. As compensation, the Company will have a participation in the net
profits generated by the existing facility.
About Canlan
Canlan Ice Sports Corp. is the largest private sector operator of
recreational ice facilities in North America with 62 playing surfaces at 21
facilities in Canada and the United States. Through the ASHL, Canlan operates
the largest adult recreational hockey league in North America with more than
63,000 registered players in the winter and summer seasons, and offers a
variety of other programs including youth leagues, hockey and figure skating
schools and tournaments.
Canlan Ice Sports Corp. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol "ICE."
Caution concerning forward-looking statements
This document contains forward-looking statements, which may be
identified by words like "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "intends",
"indicates" or similar expressions. These statements are not a guarantee of
future performance and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. The
Company's actual results could differ materially from those currently
anticipated due to a number of factors set forth in reports and other
documents filed by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities
from time to time.
