EDMONTON — Whitecourt’s AJHL team is devastated after fire tore through its state-of-the-art training facility overnight.
Brent Stark, the owner of the Whitecourt Wolverines, said he received a call from some former players at around 6 a.m. Tuesday alerting him of the fire at the Centre of Excellence.
The alumni were heading into the facility for a morning workout when they noticed black smoke. Stark said he believes the fire started in the electrical room, although it’s not known what sparked the blaze.
“At this time our staff and players are extremely saddened and disappointed that our Wolverines home has been claimed by a fire,” Stark said on the team’s Facebook page Tuesday.
Stark said it looks as though the building will be a total loss.
The $2-million Centre of Excellence opened in 2013. The 8,500-square foot training facility includes a gym, players’ lounge, auditorium and offices for staff, coaches and management.
Watch below: Whitecourt Wolverines open Centre of Excellence in December 2013
Stark met with the team Tuesday morning to break the news to the players.