The opening of the fully-renovated Canada Games Complex is fast-approaching and with it comes some new faces at the helm. One of CBU’s newest team members is Jeremy Blom, Manager of Arena Operations. “It is incredibly exciting to be a part of the revival of the Canada Games Complex,” says Jeremy. “Not only getting to work with new equipment within the facility, but having the ability to create a warm and hospitable atmosphere for this generation and those to come.”
Jeremy, who was born in Kentville and recently relocated to Cape Breton from Dartmouth, spent a lot of time diversifying his portfolio after graduating in 2010 with his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. From maintaining high-end golf courses and country clubs in Alberta, to supervising various facilities for Nustadia Recreation and even running his own property management business, Jeremy’s experience ensures he is well-equipped to handle this new venture.
When he’s not at the rink, some of Jeremy’s hobbies include golfing and mountain biking, but what he enjoys most is spending time with his fiance and two sons. His family is the reason behind Jeremy’s decision to move back to Sydney River, where he spent a brief period of time as a child and where his fiance is originally from. “When this role came up, it was very similar to the position I was already holding and created a perfect opportunity to make the transition,” he says. “I very much enjoy what I do, so I’m excited to be joining CBU and helping the Cape Breton community thrive.”
Jeremy’s role as the Manager of Arena Operations will include planning, organizing, assigning, reviewing and supervising the day-to-day operations of the Complex, as well as maintenance and repairs of CBU’s recreation facilities and equipment. His role will include activities such as preparing work plans and material lists, managing rink attendants and contracts, along with maintaining the quality of the ice and accommodating the groups that will be using the rink.
The new and improved Canada Games Complex will be the home for female hockey in Cape Breton, which is not only an honour but a unique opportunity in Jeremy’s eyes. “We have the ability to start fresh with a clean slate and prioritize female hockey so the sport is more accessible than ever,” Jeremy says. “Female hockey is growing and I am proud to be able to help promote it when the Canada Games Complex re-opens.”
Jeremy’s goals for the first year in his new role include generating positive word-of-mouth recognition in the community when the new facility opens and to truly establish the Canada Games Complex as the community hub for female hockey in the province. “After we’ve opened, I’d be delighted to hear patrons speaking highly of the facility and the CBU team,” he says. “It would be great if we could bring annual tournaments to the area, which will further help in growing the sport and solidifying the Canada Games Complex as a highly sought-after destination for teams to visit.”
To stay up-to-date on construction progress for the Canada Games Complex, visit cbu.ca/campus-planning.