Media Release
Blood Tribe Twin Rinks Officially Opens, Creating a New Home for Sport and Economic Growth on the Blood Reserve
Standoff, AB. — August 14, 2026 — Kainai officially opened the Blood Tribe Twin Rinks this morning, marking the launch of an 86,000-square-foot recreation facility designed to expand the Tribe’s support of youth sports and wellness and provide economic opportunities on the Blood Reserve.
The $37.3-million facility features two NHL-sized ice surfaces. The Game Rink includes seating for 750 spectators plus 10 accessible seats, while the Practice Rink accommodates 200 spectators.
In front of a packed crowd, the grand opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Blood Tribe Chief and Council, Chief Makiinima, Twin Rinks Committee and Trustee representatives Councillors Clarence Black Water and Kyla Crow, Project Management representatives from Larkspur Projects, Programming Manager Tyler Swag of Good Movement, Twin Rinks Manager Jeff Heggie, and President of Kainai Minor Hockey, Kristen Big Sorrel Horse.
“I really wanted to emphasize to everyone in the community that, yes, this is a hockey rink and our priorities will be our young kids and players, but I also want to make this a community gathering place,” said Chief Travis Plaited Hair. “We want to accommodate everybody in the community to utilize this space.”
The Twin Rinks is designed to host local programs, regional tournaments, leagues, camps, and community events throughout the year. The facility is expected to welcome up to 50,000 visitors annually.
The facility also incorporates several environmental technologies. An advanced geothermal energy system provides heating and cooling, while a carbon-dioxide-based ice plant replaces traditional ammonia systems. An ice-water recycling system further reduces water consumption by reclaiming and reusing water generated through ice maintenance.
The facility will also provide affordable and accessible sports programming for Kainai members while pursuing a sustainable operating model that balances financial performance with community impact.
“This is the dream we have moving forward for our young athletes. Kiistoonan, as Kainai, we need to be proud of all our youth. We need to continue supporting them in a positive way,” said Councillor Clarence Black Water.
The grand opening ceremony was capped off with a ceremonial puck drop between Chief Makiinima Roy Fox, and Chief Travis Plaited Hair. Attendees were then welcomed to share a BBQ meal and tour the building before the facility hosted their inaugural tournament this afternoon.
Kainai is proud to welcome its new home for hockey and sport in the community. The opening establishes the Twin Rinks as a new community and regional destination, while adding significant recreation infrastructure to The Blood Tribe.
