Natural ice is no more at the Cudworth Arena.

Thanks to the efforts of a group of volunteers and a supportive community, an ice refrigeration plant was installed at the arena, which has allowed for the creation of an artificial ice surface.

A kickoff celebration took place on Monday night, which saw the Western Hockey League's Prince Albert Raiders support the event.

"With the artificial ice moving into Cudworth, a small community, we wanted to have a big event. The Raiders came on board to come out for an hour practice and then do a skate with the kids."

Broad says they approached the Raiders about the opportunity and were thrilled to hear that they would be joining them for a couple of hours.

He says that the arena, built in 1963, was fairly old school in its ways.

"Our arena was a little bit behind the times with only natural ice, so starting up the season we were never able to really start up until December," he explained. "Then, we typically had to shut the arena down in February due to the warmer climate."

Broad noted that now, they will be able to get more use out of the arena with an expanded time frame. He says that they have already had groups coming to them for usage.

Unlike other projects that have been completed in other communities, fundraising is just getting underway on the ice plant.

The Town of Cudworth threw all their support behind the idea, and Broad says that they are now working to pay off the upgrade.

"The committee, which is a group of citizens, got together and approached the town," he said. "The committee has guaranteed to the town that 100% of the funds will be raised and paid back to the town."

Their goal is to raise $400,000.