KAINE’S RINK BRIEF HISTORY

In November 1955, members of the (City) Recreation Commission met with a member of the Kaine’s family.  It was agreed upon that the Recreation Department could have Kaine’s Rink on a rental basis for use of hockey, skating, and for any other use as was seen fit.  With the death of John Kaine, the rental was changed to a purchase basis and adopted by the City Commission.

January 11, 1963, Anna C. Kaine, widow of John Kaine, deeded the property and building to the City of Sault Ste. Marie for consideration of $1.00.

The building known as Kaine’s Rink was originally a street car barn; then, with the demise of the street cars, it was acquired by Mr. John Kaine who converted it into a boiler and machine shop.  After a few years in this capacity, M. Kaine, an ardent hockey fan, converted it again, this time into the Soo’s only indoor ice rink.  For a while, during the 1930’s, it was the scene of many thrilling hockey matches but was forced out of business with the completion of the Pullar Community Building in 1939.

A floor was then laid and the building remained a rink but for roller skating.  During this time, it was becoming increasingly apparent to the City Recreation Department that the city maintained outside rinks were not providing enough ice time to develop the younger skaters into the ice skaters and hockey players capable of successfully competing in the Pullar Community Building and other ice arenas through the country. 

Over the past several years, funding for improvements have been provided from the City’s General Fund and/or the Augusta Hursley Seal Trust.

Some of the improvements recently completed are upgrades to the locker rooms, electrical system, restrooms, installation of the Pullar Community Building (old) sound system, new roofing system, new floor in the “pump room”, entire new overhead lighting system and numerous other projects.

Over the past several years, the building has been used for tree sales, War Memorial Hospital Annual Flea Market, Halloween haunted house, indoor Lacrosse, and, rented by the local Boys & Girls Club for a summer.

Currently, there is a Youth Friendship Hockey Tournament – Kaine’s Klassic established in 2003– held annually and organized by Roger Parr and Steve Ewing.  The planning entails an enormous amount of volunteer time and effort.  Both Roger and Steve deserve credit for their time in planning this event.  All the youth hockey players receive recognition for participating in the tournament and thoroughly enjoy hearing their name over the loud speaker when they make a goal or assist.  It gives the children a sense of pride to be part of a team.  The parents are at the games and give their full support to their child.

Furthermore,  Jeff Killips has been volunteering his time and effort for several years helping to make and maintain the ice.  On the weekends, Jeff goes to the rink in the evenings after the last rental to make sure the ice surface is prepared for the next day.   Both Jeff and Roger keep a close watch on the building and take pride in keeping it maintained as a source of pride and joy for the City of Sault Ste. Marie – we could not do it without all their help.