AS I SEE IT COLUMN: Merci beaucoup, La Broquerie

As the Steinbach Pistons get ready to play their first ever games at the brand spanking new Southeast Event Centre (SEC), the entire organization owes a huge debt of gratitude to the folks in La Broquerie for doing such a fantastic job hosting the Pistons these past two seasons.

The Pistons needed a place to play while their new arena – part of a state of the art facility that includes a walking track, multiple courts for volleyball, basketball and pickle ball – was being built.

The Pistons hoped to be in their new digs this past Christmas, but the kind and patient people of La Broquerie had no problem letting the Pistons play in the Hylife Centre for a few more months while the finishing touches were made at the SEC.

The hospitality shown by everyone in La Broquerie – a true hockey town if there ever was one – will be remembered by the Pistons organization and the hockey fans in the Steinbach area for many, many years. La Broquerie’s rich Habs history and love of hockey helped them embrace becoming the Pistons’ home rink these past two MJHL seasons.

There would have been other potential places to play, but none as close nor as convenient as La Broquerie.

Perhaps the biggest compliment to all the people in Habs country is that through their dedication and love of the game, they made the Hylife Centre feel like a real home to the Pistons. They welcomed the Pistons and junior A hockey to their town with open arms, lots of smiles and a ton of hard work.

Merci beaucoup to everyone who works in the Hylife Centre; the volunteers, the ice makers, the custodians, the office admin, the many people needed on game days that help make a Pistons home game such a fun experience, and of course to all the fans who showed up so consistently and provided a great home atmosphere for the Pistons.

A New Era Begins

Two years ago the Pistons won the MJHL title in the final game ever played in the Centennial Arena, which opened in 1967. This week they start a new chapter in their storied history, when they open the doors on the SEC and begin play in the province’s newest hockey facility.

This is a proud and exciting time for Steinbach and southeastern Manitoba.

The cascading events that will result from having such a beautiful facility will be fun to experience. Steinbach will be able to host bigger and more important sporting events. The Pistons already do an incredible job bringing players to Steinbach and the new rink and state-of-the-art dressing room will be a huge boost to their recruitment efforts. As a concert venue, SEC will be able to host acts that previously wouldn’t ever consider playing in Steinbach because there was no suitable venue.

Kudos to Steinbach’s city council for having the vision to build such a badly needed facility and the courage to spend the money needed to construct such a beautiful building. Kudos to the workers who physically built a structure that will be enjoyed by thousands of people over many years. Kudos to the entire Pistons organization for their seamless transition from the Centennial Arena to the Hylife Centre in La Broquerie to the SEC. And kudos to the staff at the SEC who will undoubtedly steward this new hub, this new regional meeting place, with the care and grace that such a magnificent structure deserves.

Well done everyone!