Engo Logo revealed at Frontenac Arena season opening celebration

Craig Bakay | Sep 17, 2019

The Frontenac Community Arena opened officially for the 2019-2020 season with speeches, recognitions and the unveiling of the arena’s newest addition — a brand new Engo Wolf electric ice resurfacer.

The evening began with Arena Manager Tim Laprade introducing the arena board members as well as the Mayors of the two Townships that jointly own the arena, and local MP Scott Reid, who offered his congratulations as well as some humorous anecdotes.

Laprade then recognized the late Darrin Fox, who, as a driver of the old Zamboni machine, had been looking forward to driving the new one.

“Sadly, this summer, Darrin Fox lost his battle with cancer,” Laprade said. “Darrin spent many hours in this arena, from starting in the canteen in 1999, to working as an arena attendant until 2008. After that, Darrin was our go-to guy whenever we needed help, including working here just this past summer.

“I would like to thank Darrin’s parents, Doug and Heather, along with his children, for your courage in being here tonight. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

A moment of silence for Fox was then observed.

Laprade also said that Fox will be remembered whenever ice is made. His name has been added to the back of the new ice resurfacer and a Frontenac Arena jersey with his name on it will be hung in the front lobby.

Awards of recognition ceremonies for Frontenac Flyers and Frontenac Fury presidents Al Pixley and Lynn Newton, for their work in building the successful minor hockey programs in the area.

And then, the moment everyone had been waiting for.

As arena board chair Sherry Whan said: “Lights please!” former arena manager Jim Stinson drove the new machine onto the ice, revealing that the mystery sponsor was the Frontenac Flyers.

“The Flyers purchased the ad rights for $20,000 for five years,” Laprade said, before extolling the virtues of this new machine.

“It’s electric,” he said. “Meaning no emissions which means we won’t have to run the fans and dehumidifiers as much.

“That means it’s also cleaner and less harmful for everyone in the arena as well as being quieter.

“This machine is only 5 decibels whereas the old one was 80 decibels.”

While the word ‘zamboni’ has become something as a catch all term for ice resurfacers, it’s actually a trademark.

This machine is an Engo Wolf purchased through Joe Johnson Equipment and besides being totally electric, features several other aspects that Laprade said influenced the decision to choose it.

“It has quick change blade technology,” he said. “Not only can the blades be removed in minutes rather than the hour and a half it used to take, but it’s also a lot safer and easier for the attendants.

“Also other machines have a flooding bar and towel whereas this one has nozzles that spray pressurized mist that results in a much smoother ice surface.

“It has fewer moving parts, no transmission fluid, no oil changes, none of that.”

He said they expect to get 20 years out of it.

Cost for the new machine is in the $160,000 range, he said, not including taxes.

He also said that Hydro One gave them a $3,000 grant towards the new machine and W. A. Robinson in Sharbot Lake donated $1,000.