A wave of disruption has hit ice rinks across Canada after CoolTech Solutions, one of the nation’s largest suppliers of refrigeration equipment, unexpectedly ceased operations last week. The company's abrupt shutdown has triggered a domino effect, resulting in the closure of dozens of rinks and leaving facility managers scrambling for repairs and replacements. Local hockey leagues, figure skating clubs, and recreational skaters have all been affected by this mounting crisis, which comes at the peak of the winter sporting season.
With CoolTech Solutions responsible for servicing and supplying equipment to nearly 60 percent of Canadian rinks, the impact has been immediate and far-reaching. According to the Canadian Ice Facility Association, over 120 ice rinks from British Columbia to Newfoundland are currently undergoing unscheduled maintenance or temporary closure due to equipment failures. "We simply can't find the parts we need," explained Julie Rodgers, manager at the Westside Community Rink, echoing the frustrations voiced by many across the industry.
Youth and adult hockey leagues stand out among the most severely impacted groups. Many teams have been forced to postpone games or relocate to alternate venues, creating logistical headaches for organizers. In some regions, league officials are attempting to consolidate matches at fewer operational rinks, but this strategy often results in overcrowded facilities and reduced practice times for athletes. As Mark Jensen, a hockey parent in Alberta, noted, "Our kids are missing out on important games, and the schedule changes are tough on families."
The timing of the supplier’s shutdown could hardly have been worse. Winter is typically the busiest season for Canadian ice sports, with participation rates peaking after the start of the new year. Skating lessons, figure skating competitions, and local tournaments, many of which had been booked months in advance, now face indefinite postponement. Coaches and athletes alike have voiced disappointment and frustration as their training routines are thrown into disarray, threatening momentum built over months or even years.
Industry experts have cited ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities as a driving factor in CoolTech Solutions’ collapse. The company had reportedly struggled for months to secure key refrigeration components from international manufacturers, a situation worsened by global shipping backlogs and rising costs. With few domestic alternatives available, rink operators now face a difficult search for new suppliers, a process that could potentially take weeks or even months to resolve.
Municipalities are also feeling the strain, as ice rinks represent both major community hubs and significant sources of local revenue. Some city governments, such as those in Manitoba and Quebec, have announced emergency funding programs aimed at helping rinks fast-track repairs and explore interim solutions like portable refrigeration systems. However, experts warn these measures are only short-term fixes. "Unless the supply gap is addressed, we may see more closures in the coming months," cautioned sports infrastructure analyst Petra Guilbault.
The crisis has prompted calls for greater investment in Canadian-made refrigeration technologies. Advocates suggest that by reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, rinks and other sporting venues could gain more resilience against future supply chain shocks. As Michelle Leung, president of Skate Canada, stated, "It's time to build a more robust and self-sufficient infrastructure for our winter sports communities. Our athletes and fans deserve reliable facilities year-round."
Looking ahead, rink operators and sports organizations are working collaboratively to mitigate the ongoing disruptions. Many are revising their event calendars, enhancing communication with affected teams, and seeking technical guidance from industry networks. Ultimately, while uncertainty looms over the return to normal operations, the spirit of Canada’s ice sports community remains resilient, united by a commitment to keep the game alive despite unprecedented obstacles.