Following numerous synthetic and temporary ice rinks around the country, a permanent ice rink was finally opened in Algeria this year in Park Mall in the city of Setif. It’s a small rink, only 400 m2, and with boards not particularly good for hockey. Still, it’s a start, and is definitely good enough for kids to learn to skate and the basics of hockey. Better than nothing.
This week Algerian press reported Park Mall are building a new mall in Algeria’s 2nd city, Oran. An ice rink is part of the plans, however it’s not been specified the size. It would be amazing if it was larger and more suitable for hockey.
For me, an important step will be to form a relationship with Park Mall and to put a hockey programme in place at these rinks. Two junior hockey programmes in two cities in Algeria would be a massive step forward.
