The Blood Tribe celebrated the opening of its new $37.3-million Twin Rinks in Standoff, Alberta on August 14, 2026, giving young hockey players a permanent home for sports and community gatherings.
The 86,000-square-foot facility features two NHL-sized ice surfaces. The Game Rink seats 750 spectators and the Practice Rink accommodates 200. Up to 50,000 visitors are expected each year.
Chief Travis Plaited Hair said the priority will be young kids and players, but the space is also meant to bring the whole community together. “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,” he said.
The Twin Rinks replaces the Kainai Sports Center, which is about 50 years old and was the second rink in the history of hockey on the reserve. Good Movement, an Indigenous-led group, will run daily operations and offer youth 3-on-3 leagues, a women’s league, and an adult recreation league.
The opening ceremony included a ceremonial puck drop by Chief Makiinima and Chief Travis Plaited Hair, with Bridging the Gap Princess Hayden Plume presiding. Kristen Big Sorrel Horse, president of Kainai Minor Hockey, was also in attendance. More details are available on the Blood Tribe website.
