Royal Glenora Skating Club reopening after 18-month closure

An Edmonton club renowned for training Olympic figure skaters will reopen its ice rink today.

The Royal Glenora Club skating rink closed in May 2013 after the organization’s board of directors decided it couldn’t afford the $2 million to $4 million needed for renovations and new equipment.

However, members of the private club voted to spend $2 million on the rink to get it open again.

General manager David Martin says the club managed to keep most of its skating coaches despite the prolonged closure.

"These are the individuals who helped develop Jamie Sale, David Pelletier, Kurt Browning and Kristi Yamaguchi. We still have our core figure skating coaching staff here with us."

The club also plans to offer a new hockey program, led by retired NHL player Jason Strudwick.

Strudwick, Pelletier and Sale are expected to be hand for today's grand opening.