Work set to begin on world class arena, event centre and hockey academy

Those are three pillars that will lay the foundation for the construction of a state-of-the-art arena, event centre and Canadian International Hockey Academy (CIHA) in Rockland.

An official ground breaking ceremony was held on Thursday, June 17 to announce the start of construction on the $20.4 million facility, which will be located on Rue Industrielle in Rockland.

Numerous dignitaries, regional politicians, hockey legends and fans gathered to celebrate what many are calling a "momentous occasion and honour" for the city and surrounding area.

The facility will include a student residence, twin-ice arena that will be open to the public and an event and training centre that will form the core of the CIHA campus.

CIHA will be eastern Canada's premier hockey preparatory school and has already been named as one of Hockey Canada's national training facilities.

The academy will not only give students a chance to receive unmatched training in Canada's national sport, but will provide students from Grade 9 to 12 with an opportunity to receive a stellar education, as well.

The CIHA will begin offering classes in September 2011.

The project is the brainchild of local businessesman Robert Bourdeau, who has been working since 2003 to get the project off the ground.

"I can't even describe how I feel today, to see this project being started," he told those gathered for the official ground breaking ceremony. "CIHA is about creating a balanced environment for boys and girls to succeed in the classroom and on the ice. It will give students the chance to graduate with the top-quality education, hockey and leadership skills they need to take them where they want to go in school, hockey and life."

Clarence-Rockland Mayor Richard Lalonde was visibly excited to be launching the construction of the facility in his municipality, which he said "marks a new era" for the City of Clarence-Rockland.

"What a tremendous day for us here in Clarence-Rockland," he commented. "This facility will be the start of a new era in the development of sport, recreation and education in the community."

He said the area already has a reputation for churning out great hockey players and coaches, including former Ottawa Senators coach and current Montreal Canadians coach Jacques Martin, former NHL coach Pat Burns, Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray and of course, Stanley Cup-winning NHL coach Robert Hartley, to name a few.

Glengarry-Prescott Russell MP Pierre Lemieux and MPP Jean-Marc Lalonde were on hand to celebrate the monumental occasion, as was Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services.

Meilleur said the new facility will improve the quality of life for everyone in the community, create a stronger economy and stimulate jobs in the region.

"This project has been a high financial priority for the government," she remarked. "Hockey is a key part of our identity as Canadians and to our life here in Canada. I am so proud to see a facility like this being erected in the area. What a great pleasure and a wonderful honour."

Mathieu Mault, executive director of the CIHA, said Rockland "welcomed us with open arms" and said it has been a long and challenging road to get to this point, but the journey was well worth it.

"Over the past eight years, the structure, design and scope of the project has changed," he remarked. "But the one thing that has always remained the same is the vision for this facility and the academy."

Mault introduced Bourdeau, president and founder of the academy, who noted that this will be the first time in his life he can honestly say, "I can't wait for school to open."

"The top notch hockey training and classroom education will mean students will spend less time travelling to games and practices and have more time to focus on playing the game and school work," he stated. "I want the community to know, this is your arena. Te doors are open to you so you can use this facility and benefit from everything it has to offer."

Bourdeau said the academy's hockey leadership will be provided by Hartley, who likened Thursday's event to "taking part in the Stanley Cup parade."

"That is honestly the feeling I have today being here for this event," Hartley told guests. Born in Hawkesbury, Hartley coached the Colorado Avalanche from 1998 to 2002, during which he won the Stanley Cup. He also coached the Atlanta Thrashers from 2003 to 2007.

"Robert Bourdeau is an amazing man," Hartley continued. "He called to ask me to get involved in the project and at the time I was very busy. I told him I could only give him an hour of my time. During that hour, he completely sold me on the idea for this project and I knew I had to get involved."

Hartley said sports are essential for ensuring children don't get lead down the wrong patch in life.

"Kids in arenas are safer than kids on the street," he commented. "This area is a hockey hot bed, I can tell you that for sure. I would have loved to have a facility like this to play in when I was growing up."
He said the hockey program at CIHA will be "second to none" and thanks Boudreau for having the courage to "dream big and make it happen."

Former NHL player Steve Shutt was also in attendance to congratulate everyone involved in the project on its success. He was an integral part of the Montreal Canadiens team that won five Stanley Cups in 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979 and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

"Some of the best players in the world are Canadian, so why not have the best facilities in the world, too," Shutt said. "Not every kid who comes out of this place will be an NHL hockey player. Some will, but not all of them. But, all of them will be better people thanks to the programming this facility will have to offer. Every kid who passes through this facility will be a strong, disciplined, highly skilled person, regardless of whether he or she goes on to do great things in hockey or not."

The event wrapped up with the official turning of the side, signifying that construction has officially begun.