County agreement helps move Crusaders’ multipurpose arena forward

An agreement between Strathcona County and Sherwood Park Crusaders Hockey Society has been reached that will help expand recreational, event and ice time capacity in the community. 

The Crusaders plan to construct and fund an estimated $86 million multipurpose arena in Strathcona County. It will include a four-sheet, ice-rink arena with seating capacity for at least 2,500 in the main arena.  

Through a 20-year agreement, Strathcona County will provide land and $990,000 annually to support the operations and maintenance of the facility, and provide an equity investment. At the end of the agreement, the Crusaders will return the equity investment of $4 million to the County.

Under the agreement, the Crusaders will provide a minimum of 2,430 hours of prime ice time to the County each year, to be allocated to community-based activities. This increase to the current ice inventory will provide more opportunity to meet existing community needs, allow for greater flexibility for a broader range of activities in existing County facilities and help accommodate future growth. 

 “Entering into this type of partnership opens up possibilities,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “It’s innovative and a win-win for all. We support a private-public longstanding organization that has been important to the development of sport and young people. Our community gains with substantial additional ice and event time for families, without the County taking on a large capital outlay or posing greater tax impact. We appreciate the Crusaders will continue to provide exciting hockey entertainment for local fans and visitors to enjoy, right here in Strathcona County.” 

“It has been a pleasure to work with the County over the past several years on our shared vision of a new facility,” says Ryan Maxwell of the Sherwood Park Crusaders. “The Crusaders have proudly represented Sherwood Park and Strathcona County since 1978 and will look forward to many more years supporting local sports with our ice commitment back to the County. Beyond the sports, it’s exciting to think of the top tier events and concerts this facility will attract for the community as a whole. We appreciate the Mayor and Council as well as County Administration for all their support in this exciting project!”

Following the finalization of this agreement, the Sherwood Park Crusaders hockey organization is expected to announce more details on the project.

More on Crusaders’ multipurpose arena agreement.

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Contact: 
Strathcona County Communications - 780-410-6595

Sherwood Park Crusaders Hockey Society
Ryan Maxwell – 780-217-4897