The storm that began overnight Sunday included wind speeds of more than 120 kilometres per hour in some areas and it has resulted in residents in Foxwarren waking up to heartbreak.
The storm that rattled many homes throughout the Parkland region hit the Foxwarren rink and destroyed the roof. Home to hockey stars such as Ron Low, Pat Falloon, and Mark Wotton, to name a few, the current arena was built in 1948 and has also been home to many other stars throughout the years.
In February of 2018, the rink was voted the Coldest Rink in North America on the Rink Rater app.
Robert Bouchard grew up playing hockey at the arena and he was in disbelief when he saw photos of the destruction online on Sunday morning.
"It was such a sad feeling when I saw the photos, heartbreaking," said Bouchard. "I met so many incredible guys playing there and I will always remember the Foxwarren Falcons senior team."
Danny Johnston has spent more than half of his life at the arena as did his mom and sister. He got into his truck shortly after 6:00 a.m. and drove around town, ultimately to see the arena that has meant so much to him ripped apart.
"It was gut wrenching, my heart broke," said Johnston. "That arena is everything to me as well as any other kid that grew up in this community. That’s where every kid growing up in this town spent all their free time, it was literally the only thing to do around here in the winter."
"This one hits hard," ended Johnston.
Sherisse Ziprick's sons Aiden and Keaton grew up playing league games and tournaments in the arena.
"The Foxwarren area is such a tight knit community and their rink is the heart of it all," said Ziprick. "It was always the best rink for sticks and pucks. Seeing kids from surrounding communities playing together was always just a great thing to watch and be a part of."
Sherisse is also optimistic that while hockey will be put on delay at the rink, there will be a time that the great game will once again be played in Foxwarren.
"There will be so many families ready and willing to help in whatever way possible to get that rink standing and operational again," ended Ziprick. "It's history will not end with this storm."
