The Ontario Hockey League‘s Guelph Storm are excited about a new addition to their arena that they hope will kick off the season on an energetic note.
The Storm, along with the City of Guelph and Athletica Sport Systems, have joined forces to set up a cutting-edge Live LED In-Ice Display system right at centre ice in the Sleeman Centre. This is the first display of its kind in North America, and it will debut when the Storm takes on the Erie Otters for their 2026-27 home opener tonight (Friday, September 18).
Video courtesy Athletica Sport Systems
“The online buzz and excitement from fans entering our arena has been incredible. For the Guelph Storm to lead the way with this technology in North America before professional arenas is truly something unique, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it enhances our game-day atmosphere starting September 18th.”
– Matt Newby, vice-president of business operations, Guelph Storm
The display’s technology comes from a collaboration between Athletica and LEDFoil, a Finnish company known for its advancements in in-ice LED tech. Their systems are also utilized by HC Dukla Jihlava in Jihlava, Czechia, and Oulun Kärpät in Oulu, Finland.
LEDFoil’s in-ice display technology showcased at Oulun Kärpät’s venue in Finland. (Courtesy LEDFoil)
“This installation marks another key step forward for Athletica as we push innovation within sports and entertainment. Together with the Guelph Storm, the City of Guelph, and the Ontario Hockey League, we’re crafting engaging experiences for sponsors while enhancing fan interactions during live events.”
– Andrew Mc Rae, CEO, Athletica Sport Systems
The centre ice display will feature “immersive visual experiences” during player introductions and breaks in play as well as s. When play resumes, it will show a static image including the centre ice red line.
Courtesy Athletica Sport Systems
“As teams and venues look for fresh ways to captivate audiences, digital technology embedded into ice surfaces takes us closer to fully immersive entertainment settings in modern arenas. The Ontario Hockey League commends the City of Guelph and our own Guelph Storm for embracing this chance to collaborate with Athletica Sport Systems as they become North America’s first venue to introduce the Live LED In-Ice Display. Our partners continuously seek innovative solutions that enhance fan enjoyment while boosting revenue opportunities. We see great potential with this new asset.”
– Cole Butterworth, senior vice-president of business operations, Ontario Hockey League
The new centre ice display isn’t all that fans will notice at tonight’s game; over summer break, the Storm updated their jerseys too! They’ve added crimson shoulders to their white jersey along with new shoulder patches on both their crimson and white uniforms.
Screenshots courtesy @Storm_City / Twitter
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