Skaters, coaches, and event planners in Saint John have a brief window to secure ice time at a fraction of the usual cost. The City of Saint John announced the return of its popular “Flash Ice” program, offering surplus rental slots at significantly reduced rates between February 4 and February 17, 2026.

These spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Whether you want to organize a birthday party, a family skate, a corporate team-building event, or an extra practice for your sports team, you need to act quickly.

Discounted Hourly Rates

The City has structured the pricing tiers to benefit community groups and commercial entities alike. The following hourly rates apply (plus HST):

• Youth Non-Profit Groups: $80.89
• Adult Non-Profit Groups: $141.57
• For-Profit/Commercial Events: $183.85

Note that tournaments and fundraisers do not qualify for Flash Ice pricing.

Deadlines and Booking Requirements

The deadline to book these slots is Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

To secure a spot, you must book by the hour and provide proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance, the City provides coverage for a nominal fee. You can submit your request by contacting the Sports Liaison, Darrell Fountain, at darrell.fountain@saintjohn.ca. If you do not have an active account with the City’s booking system, you can create one here.

Available Times and Locations

The surplus ice is available at three specific arenas. Check the schedule below to find a time that works for you:

Charles Gorman Arena

• Feb 6: 9:15–10:15 pm
• Feb 8: 9:15–10:15 pm
• Feb 13: 9:30–10:30 pm
• Feb 15: 7:45–8:45 am

Stewart Hurley Arena

• Feb 6: 9:15–10:15 pm
• Feb 9: 9:30–10:30 pm
• Feb 13: 9:30–10:30 pm
• Feb 14: Multiple slots (9:30 am, 10:45 am, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm)
• Feb 16: 4:30–5:30 pm
• Feb 17: 9:30–10:30 pm

Peter Murray Arena

• Feb 6: 9:15–10:15 pm
• Feb 8: 9:00–10:00 pm
• Feb 13: 9:30–10:30 pm
• Feb 15: 8:45–9:45 pm
• Feb 16: 4:00–5:00 pm

For full details, visit the official City of Saint John news release.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to book Flash Ice time?

You must secure your booking by Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. noon.

Can I book Flash Ice for a tournament?

No. Tournaments and fundraisers are excluded from this specific promotion.

Do I need insurance to rent the ice?

Yes. You must provide proof of insurance coverage before the City confirms your booking. If you do not have your own, you can purchase it through the City’s provider for a small cost.

How are the bookings allocated?

All time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.