Saving the Archie Miller

A few local hockey players are sharing their passion for saving the Archie Miller Arena as the City of Lloydminster has started a conversation about the future of the NHL-size rink. 

Chris Coville, manager with the Coldwell Banker Kodiaks is encouraging people to go to the Kraft Hockeyville website and put in pictures, stories, and memories that they have about the 1966-built rink. 

“They can put in their own story about the arena. They can submit videos. If you have got memories of playing there and you want to help keep it around, just go on there and help us get this additional funding,” says Coville. 

Communities can win $250,000 and an NHL game as the top prize. Also, you can use social media to spread the word to save the arena. The nomination phase closes on Mar. 2. The top four nominees will go head-to-head in a voting round to decide the winning community. 

In 2019, a report listed the lifespan of the beloved arena as five to ten years, and the cost to replace the ice plant as between $600,000 to $1.5 million. Coville is passionate about keeping the old barn alive and his team has regular weekend bookings. 

“Obviously it’s going to take some investment to keep the rink around. But it serves the community so well. There are so many memories for different people there. I think it is really worth the funding to keep that rink around.” 

The city is holding two open house sessions at the Servus Sports Centre on Wednesday, January 15 from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., and again on Thursday, January 16 from noon – 8:00 p.m. 

An online survey is available and opinions may also be sent to Your Voice. 

James Archibald Miller was born in 1896 in Ontario. His family moved west when he was three years old and eventualy settled in Lloydminster in 1903.

In 1925 he married Edna Taylor, and they had two daughters. Miller worked for 48-years as a agent for Sunlife Assurance Company. He was a charter member of the Elks Lodge and the Rotary Club.

He received numerous accolades in his life including the Queen’s Silver Medal. He came to be known as Lloydminster’s goodwill ambassador. In 1974, he was named “Honourary Chief Big Bear” and given a Chief’s headdress by Onion Lake Cree Nation.

He died in 1978 and is buried in the Lloydminster cemetery. Some 1,400 people attended his celebration of life at the Civic Centre. A contingent from Onion Lake in full regalia was present to honour their “loyal old friend.”