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VENDOR News Updates from U.S. Ice Rink Association Vendor Members 16 / SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2026 USICERINKS.COM Finnish Dasher Board Manufacturer Expands in North America Through Acquisition: LED Dasher BoardsLead the Way p Vepe-Icepro, a Finland-based European leader in ice hockey dasher board manufacturing, has acquired the business of Canadian Welmar Recreational Products Inc. (W RPI), a Canadian manufacturer of aluminum dasher boards known for its extensive experience and practical product portfolio. WRPI now operates as Vepe-Icepro Inc. and serves customers across Canada and the United States. Chris Clancy, President of WRPI, continues in his role as President of Vepe-Icepro Inc. With more than 50 years of experience and over 4,500 completed projects, the company is a leading provider of ice hockey rink systems worldwide. It has introduced numerous innovations to the market, including advancements that have significantly improved rink safety. "We now have a strong reach and response times in the North American market, where we're seeing growing interest in both LED and conventional dasher boards across the market. Vepe- Icepro Inc.'s local expertise and market knowledge are essential and provide a significant advantage," said Riku Kallioniemi, CEO, VepeIcepro. LED Dasher Systems for Modern Ice Arenas Vepe-Icepro's LED dasher system is the company's own innovation and the result of long-term development. LED dasher systems are in use across six different leagues in Europe and North America (AHL, CHL, NLA, DEL, Extraliga, Liiga), and customer experiences and outcomes have been excellent. LED technology supports multipurpose arena development by enabling dynamic sponsorship inventory, event-specific content, and an enhanced fan experience. The LED platform is built on Vepe- Icepro's modular concept, enabling long-term serviceability, upgrades, and compatibility with future technologies. "For all our customers, the benefits are tangible: LED boards create new sponsorship opportunities and improve the in-venue experience, night after night." says Matti Karmala, Sales Director at Vepe-Icepro Inc. In North A merica, the system is approved for use in the AHL. To date, Vepe-Icepro has delivered LED dasher board systems to arenas in Utica, Portland, and San Diego. More info available at: vepeicepro.com, arenaboards.com J rink rangers by Brandon Favre RIGHT RINK MANAGER TURN RIGHT. TURN RIGHT. TURN RIGHT. AT LEAST HE FOLLOWS DIRECTIONS! GO GET 'EM ACE! REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING! I BELIEVE IN YOU! RINK MANAGER What's New? p Share your product updates, new hires, major announcements and more in RINK Magazine's Vendor News section. Email info@usicerinks.com.