I have been questioned recently as to why the SS Brighton - the old ice rink - was demolished.

I spent most of my teenage years before and after the war learning to skate, playing ice hockey, working in the ice shows and, finally, working full time in maintenance under Gib Hutchinson, the Tigers' goaltender at that time.

Quite frankly, the stadium was well past its sell-by date and was a disaster waiting to happen.

Before the hockey games on a Thursday evening, my two co-workers and I had to go up into the roof to empty the many receptacles there to catch the water from a badly leaking roof, in case they spilled over during the game.

The rink was made of 50 per cent wood, which made it a fire hazard. Inspectors from the fire service did call in now and again but very seldom got any further than the bar in the manager's office.

Let's remember, it was a very profitable time for the management and no way could they afford to close for any length of time.

The biggest mistake was made by not building a new rink immediately. I enjoyed the great times there and, indeed, met my wife there.

-Johnny Coverdale, The Deneway, Brighton