Hockey players in Moose Jaw and the surrounding area now have a new place to work on their shooting skills, with the Epic Hockey Center officially celebrating its grand opening on Sunday, Oct. 25.

Located inside the former Westmount School at 1100 Currie Cres., the approximately 2,400-square-foot facility offers an off-ice training environment for players of all ages and skill levels.

Owner Trevor Weisgerber says the idea behind the centre came from recognizing a need for a dedicated shooting facility in the community.

"It's just such an important part of the game with the shooting aspect of it, but there was nothing really in our area to fill this need," said Weisgerber.

The facility features three large shooting lanes with four nets, along with three smaller lanes equipped with shooting tarps, giving individuals and teams an opportunity to work on their skills away from the rink.

Months of work bring facility to life

What started as an idea earlier this year quickly turned into a major renovation project.

Weisgerber says work began near the end of June, with several months spent preparing the building and installing the equipment needed to bring the facility to life.

The renovations included demolition, painting and installing synthetic shooting tiles, nets and tarps.

Although the centre had already been welcoming teams since early October, Sunday's grand opening gave the public an opportunity to see the finished product.

"It was a lot put into it just with the building and getting it all ready to go. Then with the synthetic tiles and everything that goes into it. It took quite a while, but we're really happy with the product."

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Positive response from local hockey community

Since opening its doors, the Epic Hockey Center has already attracted interest from minor hockey players, local teams and athletes looking for additional practice opportunities.

Weisgerber says the early response has been encouraging, with bookings and inquiries continuing to come in.

"Everyone's real excited that it's here, and I mean all the teams that we've had in, and I think people, we've had lots of inquiries about just kids able to just come by and shoot pucks and teams and what not."

The facility has also welcomed players from the Moose Jaw WINMAR U18 AAA Warriors and the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League.

Weisgerber hopes the centre will become a regular training destination for local hockey players, while also attracting visiting teams participating in tournaments throughout the season.

The facility offers individual or team shooting sessions with instructors with professional hockey experience. 

hockeyThe space offers four large shooting lanes with nets and three smaller ones, suitable for team and individual sessions. 

More than just shooting pucks

While improving shooting skills is the main focus, Weisgerber wants the Epic Hockey Center to offer more than just an additional place to practise.

Plans include hosting birthday parties, team-building activities and other group functions.

The facility also features a lounge area with couches and televisions, allowing parents to relax while their children practise.

A mini-stick area is also planned to provide another activity for younger players.

Weisgerber says the goal is to create a welcoming space where hockey players, families and teams can spend time together.

"We'll be able to get some of these groups in, and they can do some team bonding, have some pizza, shoot some pucks, and whether they're having some mini-stick turnies, things like that, it'll be all good."

With the facility now operational, Weisgerber is looking forward to welcoming more players and families through the doors.

"I just appreciate the community coming by. We're excited to be open, and we're looking forward to seeing people come check it out."

Weisgerber added that their official Epic Hockey Center website will be up and running soon. If you're interested in booking as an individual or team, you can contact them by email at epichockeycenter@gmail.com.

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