Howe helps open new rink
By Wendy Soloduik

National Hockey League hall of famer Gordie Howe was on hand for the opening of a new ice rink at the Nottawaga Inn in Alliston last week. Howe also participated in an autograph session.

Last Friday, the Centre Ice II ice pad was officially opened at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston.

It has been less than a year since the original ice pad was opened, and there was no shortage of prestigious guests on-hand to welcome the new 'twin', including "Mr. Hockey" himself, Gordie Howe.

The opening ceremonies were preceded by an informal autograph session in the lobby, where lucky members of the crowd had a Centre Ice puck signed in silver ink by Howe.

Sarah Guergis helped to get things under way in the arena itself, with a beautiful rendition of O' Canada.

Peter Biffis, son of Nottawasaga Inn owner Lou Biffis, MC'd the inaugural ceremony and offered his thanks to the Town of New Tecumseth and its staff for their help in the building and planning process.

The first to speak was builder Rocco Lombardi, who was assured in his introduction that the timeline for the project wouldn't have been possible without his diligence.

""I thank everyone of you right to the last minute," said Lombardi, passing the compliment forward to the engineers and field/civil workers.

Dino Biffis also thanked Lombardi, noting that "his people worked around the clock" to make the project ready on-time.

The mayor of New Tecumseth, Mike MacEachern, also addressed the assembly and commented on how the Biffis family through their many programs have had "a positive impact on the area and its residents."

MacEachern also noted that there had been an increase in tourism in the area since the addition of Centre Ice I.

Several other delegates spoke, including Simcoe- Grey MPP Jim Wilson, Simcoe County Warden Tony Guergis, and Progressive Conservative leader John Tory. In all of their speeches, messages of good will and congratulations were extended.

"I'm impressed to see the mayor here, and I'm equally impressed to see the Warden and your MPP, and I can't believe that you have Gordie Howe here, but I'm most impressed to see Lou Biffis this evening, and that's quite a statement" said Tory in his address. "I'm sure that feeling will pass [a remark that met with a laugh from the audience] and I'll get back to focusing on Howe, but for now Mr. Biffis is the man of the hour."

Several members of local councillor were there, including Jim Stone, Richard Norcross and Deputy mayor Rick Milne. Helena Guergis, MP Simcoe-Grey, was unable to attend the ceremony, but was present for the dinner that followed. Sam Chicilini, of Masters Insurance, introduced members of the community who had contributed so much to the sport of hockey in the area over the past several years - including our own John Archibald, and Paul O'Neil.

"This is a world class organization, what a world class building. Hockey is what it's all about in Ontario, and these two gentlemen are a big part of that," Chicilini added.

Greetings from the Township of Adjala- Tosorontio were brought by Mayor Tom Walsh, who thanked the Biffis family on behalf the many residents that use his facility.

The last speakers to take the floor were former NHL players Darrin Shannon, Pierre Pilote and Gordie Howe, whose presence helped to make the celebration even more special.

Shannon, who played left wing for Pittsburgh Penguins, amongst other career highlights, addressed the crowd first, stating that he was "glad to get off the bench" because he was out of his league sitting next to the hockey legends.

Pilote and Howe also spoke - a treat for all hockey fans alike - prior to the ribbon-cutting, which was performed by all of the distinguished guests in one moment, with several pairs of scissors.

With Howe and Pilote facing off, Lou Biffis dropped the first puck at Centre Ice II, and the arena was officially declared open.