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Long playoff run could be big business for Canalta Centre, local companies

Mar 24, 2017 | 6:16 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The towels are laid out ahead of the Tigers first playoff game at the Canalta Centre, and the fans who will be waving them are set to bring a big windfall to what’s expected to be a packed house.

“We’re talking well over $100,000+,” Canalta Centre General Manager Peter Jelinski said Friday morning about how much revenue can be generated from a single sold-out game. “It’s a pretty sizable venture for everybody involved.”

In the Canalta Centre’s first year of operation the building posted a loss of around $440,000 which was about $80,000 more than originally anticipated. Jelinski says the Tigers missing the playoffs last year had no impact on those figures, as postseason hockey is purely a bonus.

“We never budget for playoff games, it’s always your gravy on top of your budget,” he said. “If they make it and have a long run it’s always a big win for us.”

Businesses by the Canalta Centre are hoping the Tigers can go on a long playoff run too.

“The phones have been going off the hook with people wanting reservations,” said District Bar & Grill Owner Dylan Ireland a few hours before puck drop. Ireland says an extended Tigers postseason could result in up to $70,000 of extra business for him at his Box Springs location.

Over at the Medicine Hat Brewing Company owner Warren Vancuren is hopeful some out of town fans stop by to sample what he has to offer.

“It’s always nice to see the Tigers go far in the playoffs,” he says. “We’re kind of en route to the Canalta Centre which should help out with the business for sure.”

Winning the series against Brandon in short order is undoubtedly top of mind for the Tigers players and coaching staff. But Ireland and Jelinski wouldn’t mind if things were to go the distance.

“I want to see the Tigers win of course but I’d love each series to go to seven games, that will definitely help us a lot,” said Ireland with a smile.

“We can’t wait to open the doors and let the public in here to see what’s hopefully going to be a seven game series, so we can get as many games as possible,” a laughing Jelinski added.