The ice was in on Thursday and crews are getting ready for the grand opening of the new look Graeme Murray arena in Gravenhurst.
The Town of Gravenhurst announced in July that the Centennial Centre would be named after the sledge hockey legend.
The Gravenhurst native was a member of Canada's bronze medal winning team at the Paralympic Games in Sochi.
“We are now one of seven arenas in Ontario to be sledge hockey friendly,” says Gravenhurst Deputy Mayor Jeff Watson
“I find it incredibly exciting. Not just to the naming aspect of the rink but I grew up playing here, I learned to played here,” says Murray.
The town has poured more than $1.5 million into the project, which includes retrofitted dressing rooms, boards, and walkways, making things easier for all athletes.
“It’s a source of inspiration because we want to reduce the barriers to accessibility and with this rink we’re now able to do that,” says Marta Proctor with the Town of Gravenhurst.
“It’ll give the kids a real understanding of what Graeme had to go through to become a world champion and the road he has reached,” added Watson.
“I truly hope everyone enjoys this arena and it inspires the kids out there to use it and be active and gives them somewhere to go,” added Murray.
The grand opening will be held on Saturday September 20th, which will include a public skate, sledge hockey demonstration and autograph signing. There will also be a live performance by Murray’s friends ‘Party H3ro.’
