Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1268579
USICERINKS.COM JULY.AUGUST.2020 / 21 North American Hockey League (NAHL) as an expansion franchise and called the Outpost home. With this new team coming, the facility quickly donned the Ice Wolves' logo on the front of the arena and at center ice of the rinks. The team began playing this past season. "It's been a fun opportunity to have them here from the get-go," Flint said. "There was a lot of buzz and they brought in fantastic crowds." Though the Ice Wolves struggled in their first season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the fans showed up to see the new team on the block. They drew more than 1,200 people per game and were named the NAHL's organization of the year for the 2019-20 season. The most recent upgrades to the facil- ity not only drew in junior hockey but more families in the area interested in ice sports. About 150 kids showed up for the facility's most recent Try Hockey For Free Day. "It's reinvigorated our families who were already involved," Flint said. "We believe folks are having a fun and enrich- ing experience, and we've seen increases in about all of those activities." From a youth perspective, Flint said he has seen the Ice Wolves' impact as many of the youth players head into the rink donning their Ice Wolves gear. Others have seen how the youth growth has been helped by bringing the Minnesota- native Hubbards. "(Hubbard) has been a godsend to youth hockey in this town," Thompson said. "(Martin) deserves a lot of credit for keeping it going but (Hubbard) has taken it up to another level." The quarantine across the U.S. brought all things, including activities at the Outpost, to a halt. But there's still excitement amongst those involved at the Outpost to see what's on the horizon. "We've got a new lease on life here, so to speak," Franchini said. "Our skating can continue here and has a chance to really improve. That's really cool to see." J apply.gogc.com Make the play... with financing that's right for your rink. Ice Resurfacers Dasher Boards & Rink Equipment Scoreboards & Electronic Displays Training & Fitness Equipment ...and more! GENEVA CAPITAL OFFERS SIMPLE FINANCE SOLUTIONS FOR: MUNICIPALITIES, COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS, AND START-UPS ARE ALL WELCOME! Troy Putnam, Regional Sales Manager p (320) 759-3563 | troy@gogc.com f i n a n c i n g q u e s t i o n s ? financing powered by: R E A D Y T O G E T S T A R T E D ? I T ' S E A S Y !