MacKenzie Weegar says what everyone else is thinking!
I'll take “State the obvious” for $500, Alex!
HockeyFeed
It wasn't long ago that an agreement between the Calgary Flames and the city of Calgary to build a new $634 million arena to replace the aging Scotiabank Saddledome was terminated. For now, the Flames remain in only the second building they've ever played in (formerly played at the Stampede Corral from 1980-1983), but it's beyond obvious that the venue is extremely out of date and is even literally starting to crumble.
Next season will be Calgary's 40th year playing in the Saddledome, which is the second oldest venue in the National Hockey League behind New York's Madison Square Garden (which recently underwent a $1 billion renovation). NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman even got stuck in an elevator during last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, causing him to quip, "You need a new arena."
And first year Flames defenseman MacKenzie Weegar stated the obvious during his end of season remarks earlier today. Weegar, who was acquired by the Flames last summer along with Jonathan Huberdeau in the blockbuster deal that sent Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, said that it was time for the Flames to play in a new building.
"I think we need a new rink," he said. "Maybe that'll help. The Saddledome obviously's got some caracter. Maybe a couple updates could make it look a little bit better."
It absolutely is way past time for the aging Saddledome to be put out to pasture in favor of an updated venue with every possible amenity that Calgary's bitter Alberta rival in the Edmonton Oilers recently opened in 2016.
Whether or not the Flames get a new rink, Weegar is with the Flames for the long haul, having signed an eight year contract exertion prior to this recently completed season.
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