Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 02/04) - The completion of Multiplex's second ice pad will benefit more than Yellowknife ice user groups.

That is the message being sent by Kevin Stapleton, Facilities for Kids president.

The statement was made in response to Diavik's Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Yellowknife to possibly assist with beginning construction of the second pad this year, instead of 2006 when originally projected.

"This is just the beginning for us," said Stapleton.

The message that he believes is being lost is Facilities for Kids is not just focused on the completion of the Multiplex.

It's goal is to provide facilities for all youth in the city.

And, the quicker the Multiplex is completed, the faster Facilities for Kids can begin working on projects like the gymnastics club or an indoor soccer facility."Our next priority is the gymnastics club," said Stapleton.

The completion of the second pad, to be named after Yellowknifer Shorty Brown, will be a godsend to city ice users.

"The biggest benefit will be for the youth groups. They won't have to have 6 a.m. practices; or play at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.

These are kids who are still in school and getting home at 1 a.m. so they can play hockey," said Stapleton.

More ice will also mean better times for her figure skaters, said Brenda Backen of the Yellowknife Skating Centre.

Right now figure skaters are on the ice at

4 p.m. "That makes it difficult for people who have to work and are trying to get time off," she said. "This sounds just great."

Diavik's $50,000 commitment to the arena has brought arena fundraising to $270,000.