Rapids Install New Six-Foot Spectator Glass

October 11–19, 2023

In the days surrounding their inaugural home opener, the Paugan Falls Rapids completed a major safety upgrade at the Gatineau Valley Arena, purchasing and installing new six-foot-tall glass along the entire spectator side of the rink and extending partway into the corner.

Fully funded by the Rapids and sourced by Cole Peck, the new glass improved protection for players and spectators while preserving a clear, unobstructed view of the ice.

Finding the Safest Solution

The arena’s original spectator-side glass was considerably shorter. With senior hockey returning to the Gatineau Valley, the Rapids recognized that its height created potential safety concerns for both players and fans. A player could be driven into the top of the low glass, while elevated or deflected pucks presented an additional risk to spectators.

One option was to install moderately taller glass with protective netting above it. Although safe, that approach would have significantly affected sightlines throughout the spectator side of the arena.

Instead, the Rapids evaluated puck trajectories from different locations on the ice using laser lines. The assessment showed that six-foot glass would provide more than sufficient protection without requiring netting above it. Although substantially taller than the original glass, it offered the best combination of safety and visibility.

An Unexpected Delivery Problem

On Wednesday, October 11—just three days before the Rapids’ inaugural home opener—a group of volunteers removed all the existing glass along the spectator side in preparation for the new shipment, which was expected to arrive the following day.

The delivery had originated in Western Canada, but a shipping mix-up left the new glass stranded on a truck in Thunder Bay, Ontario. It became clear that the shipment would not reach the arena in time for the home opener.

With the rink left without spectator-side glass, volunteers returned on Thursday night and reinstalled every piece of the original glass. Their work ensured the arena would be ready and allowed the Rapids to play their first home game as scheduled on October 14.

Taking On the Job Again

Once the new glass arrived the following week, Rapids and arena volunteers returned on Thursday, October 19, to repeat the process.

The original glass was removed for a second time, and the new six-foot panes were carefully installed along the spectator side and into the corner. The project was completed in time for the Rapids’ second home game on October 21.

More than 30 volunteers contributed across the three work nights. Their willingness to remove, reinstall and then replace an entire side of arena glass demonstrated the determination and teamwork that defined the organization’s inaugural season.

A Lasting Arena Improvement

The new glass substantially improved safety for players and spectators without compromising the viewing experience. It also gave the arena a more suitable setup for senior hockey and other fast-paced events.

The original glass remained at the Gatineau Valley Arena rather than being discarded. Since the installation, those panes have been reused for replacement glass and other projects throughout the facility.

What began as a straightforward installation became one of the most memorable volunteer efforts of the Rapids’ first season. Despite an unexpected shipping delay and the pressure of an approaching home opener, the community came together repeatedly to get the job done.

The completed project remains another example of the Rapids investing their resources and volunteer labour into lasting improvements at the Gatineau Valley Arena.