Idaho Steelheads cancel three home games due to ice issues

The Idaho Steelheads canceled three home games on Wednesday night, citing issues with the ice surface at Idaho Central Arena. The postponed matchups were scheduled for Nov. 4, 6, and 7 against the Rapid City Rush. New dates for these games have not yet been announced.

Fans who had already arrived at the arena expressed frustration over the sudden change. Abigail Brenneck and Lex Maples were among those waiting in the venue. Brenneck said the group had arrived at 2 p.m. to avoid traffic. "We've been here since two to beat the traffic, and then we were just hanging around getting some food to pass some time," Brenneck said.

Maples noted that this was their first hockey game. "I just wish I got a notification," Maples said. Both fans live locally, so they said they can return for a rescheduled date. However, for visitors, the delay creates more complicated plans.

Scott Sweet purchased tickets months in advance for friends visiting from outside the U.S. Sweet said the group had discussed the trip for months. "We've talked about it for months, so just really disappointed and pretty upset," Sweet said. His friends are leaving the country soon, making it difficult to find a new date. "So that's just going to be a loss for us anyway," Sweet said.

The Steelheads stated that ticket executives will contact season ticket holders with new dates and information. Chaney Kirkmire said her parents have held season tickets since 1997. Kirkmire said she could not recall a previous postponement caused by ice conditions. "The health and well-being of players and officials matters more than me attending a hockey game," Kirkmire said.

The team said tickets for the Nov. 4, 6, and 7 games will be valid on the rescheduled dates. Fans who cannot attend on those new dates may request a refund or apply the value toward another game. The Steelheads declined to provide further details about the specific ice conditions that necessitated the postponements.