BRASOV, Romania – Romania has opened its newest rink in the city of Brasov. The Olympic Arena plays host to the European Ice Hockey Challenge this weekend.

“Our federation has developed a new concept and is applying a new policy to grow ice hockey in Romania,” said Tanczos Barna, the President of the Romanian Ice Hockey Federation (FRHG). “We need to build new infrastructure and to improve coaching skills in our country. We convinced the government to finance this building and after 40 years we could now open two new ice rinks within one year.”

The Romanians found support from the city of Brasov and from its mayor, George Scripcaru. With the rink and a second one that is to be built, Brasov will be able to host the ice hockey tournament of the 2013 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival.

The Olympic-sized rink cost €9.1 million and it is the first one that has been built in Romania since 1968. It will be used for hockey players of all ages, figure skating, short-track speed skating and there will be public skating hours five times per week. It will also be the new home for the city’s senior hockey team, Corona Brasov Fenestela 68.

This weekend, the arena hosts its first international event. A four nations tournament that is part of the European Ice Hockey Challenge – a series of tournaments in preparation for the World Championship events next spring with national teams ranked outside of the top-8 countries – takes place this weekend. The Romanian national team will face Croatia, Serbia and Spain.

IIHF Council Member Frank Gonzalez visited the rink in October and he praised the initiative.

“This modern facility is ready to host any national and international event. It will be the base of a pyramid for the future of Romanian hockey,” Gonzalez said. “It sets a good standard that will be followed by further activities and programs in Brasov and Miercurea Ciuc. I hope the city of Bucharest will also start soon with such activities.”