Not so silent E - A slight case of arena envy

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Published on Thursday, March 26, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

Dear Yellowhead Arena, I have a confession to make and I don’t want you to be mad. I swear it was a one time thing and I have never done anything like this before, but last weekend…I went out to a younger, prettier arena.

Now wait, wait!  Before you get too angry, let me explain. Sometimes a man has needs. Needs that just can’t be satisfied at home. Needs like playoff hockey for example. So I travelled to Virden to see the Oil Capitals and Winkler Flyers play at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. It was my first opportunity to see the arena up close, though I will admit I have admired it from afar for quite sometime.

Now please understand that I didn’t expect this to happen, but I was seduced by the remarkable sight lines, bright lighting and ample washroom facilities. Who wouldn’t be. And how could I pass up the opportunity to be among the 1,244 people who were watching these two evenly matched teams battle for the chance to get swept in the next round by the Portage Terriers. It was just too intoxicating to pass up.

Now don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t perfect. I understand that going with a younger arena is more expensive. People in Virden are still paying, but when I saw the smiles on their faces, it seemed as though they didn’t care. They’re still in that honeymoon phase where everything about Tundra Place is still cute and has that new arena smell to it. It’s a lot like buying a new fancy pair of shoes. Sure it’s cool for a while but then it’s so high maintenance to keep them looking sharp and they pinch your toes a bit. But the relationship I have with the Yellowhead, it’s reliable and comfortable. Like a good old pair of loafers.

So I ask for forgiveness for my transgression. I’m only human. I promise not to let it happen again…unless of course our schedules align and I can sneak away to watch the Portage/Virden semifinal. Then I would definitely do it again in a heartbeat. I know….I’m a weak, weak man. 

Now that I have gotten the silliness out of my system, let me be honest. I know we don’t need a new arena and more importantly, I know we can’t afford a new arena. We don’t have oil money like Virden and there are so many other things that our municipal dollars need to be spent on. In this very column I have rallied against the issues of unchecked spending when it comes to new community arenas in Portage la Prairie, Killarney and Minnedosa. [The ice isn’t always cleaner on the other side. Jan. 9 edition of the Neepawa Banner.] 

Nor do I wish for anyone to think that this is disparaging to the people who work so hard to ensure that the Yellowhead Centre continues to run efficiently. The dedication of Director of Operations Ann Kuharski,.The maintenance staff of Tom Lisoway, Moe Terrick and Ryan Creighton, as well as Marilyn Dietrich serving as ticketmaster and Ed Hnidy sharpening skates is greatly appreciated and doesn’t get nearly enough recognition.

I’m just saying that it’s nice sometimes to fantasize about a new shiny ice cathedral for our community. Neepawa deserves to have nice things, but for the time being, I’ll just continue to look to the west with a little bit of envy.

This editorial was satirical in nature. Eoin Devereux has never and would never condone cheating on your arena with a younger, prettier, more exciting one. He really does promise to never do it again and will stay with the Yellowhead for the sake of the children.