It's the end of an era.
Fifty years ago, Kelly Saunders began his career operating a Zamboni resurfacing machine at several rinks around Halifax before rising through the ranks to become the head ice technician at the city's largest stadium, the Scotiabank Centre.
But now the self-proclaimed “viburnum rat” is hanging up the keys.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be here a long time and I’ve kind of gotten it all done,” Saunders said of his recent decision to retire from ice preparation at the Scotiabank Centre, where he worked for the last 39 years of his five-decade career.
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For a long period of time, starting in 1994, Saunders kept the Halifax Mooseheads' home stadium in excellent condition. This was the club's first season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
If there was an event on the ice at the Scotiabank Center, he was a part of it.
“The Mooseheads winning the 2013 President's Trophy here on home ice was amazing. They're our home team. They were the first home team to win a championship here,” Saunders said, reflecting on standout moments over the years.
“IIHF, two world junior championships, a women's world championship, a men's world championship – we're the only building in the world that has hosted all three. So it was a great honor for me to be a part of them.”
Travis Kennedy, vice president of business for the Halifax Mooseheads, said Saunders left a lasting impression on the organization.
“Everybody knows Kelly. They might not all know his name, but they know he's the guy with the Zamboni,” Kennedy said.
“There’s a reason the ice is usually some of the best in the entire league: He loves what he does.”
Saunders says he will play his last game against the Halifax Mooseheads on November 9th.
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