Winnipeg minor hockey teams scramble for ice time as Southdale rink closes for film production
Posted December 14, 2025 11:50 am.
Last Updated December 14, 2025 4:28 pm.
Winnipeg minor hockey teams are scrambling to find ice time as the Southdale Community Centre rink shuts down for several weeks to accommodate a film production.
The closure is affecting dozens of teams across the city. Hockey Winnipeg says while games can be rescheduled, practices and player development will be lost, along with added travel and costs for families.
According to Hockey Winnipeg, the west rink will be closed from January 3rd to January 23rd, while the east rink will be closed from January 12th to 16th. The organization says the closures will impact more than 60 teams, ranging from U7 house league to U18 AAA.
In a statement, Southdale Community Centre told CityNews:
“The decision to allow filming at the centre was made with many factors in mind. The fees received will help offset any increased costs and debts that we face annually to operate our centre so we may continue to maintain a first-class facility that offers excellent programming.”
The centre has also responded to Hockey Canada’s claim that 100 hours of scheduled activities will be lost due to the film production, saying that more than 70 hours of ice time have been returned to community programming.
Southdale Community Centre says it recognizes the inconvenience the disruption may cause and has worked with the film company to develop a plan to reduce the impact on teams and families.
