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Centre Étienne Desmarteau facts for kids

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Centre Étienne Desmarteau
Centre Etienne Desmarteau. Hockey Arena in Montreal.jpg
Address 3430 Rue de Bellechasse
Location Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Coordinates 45°33′20″N 73°34′49″W / 45.55556°N 73.58028°W / 45.55556; -73.58028
Owner City of Montreal
Capacity Hockey: 2,200 (Caroline Ouellette rink 1)
600 (Jean Trottier rink 2)
Surface Multi-surface
Opened 1976
Tenants
Montreal Mission (NRL)

The Centre Étienne Desmarteau is a cool sports center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It has two ice rinks and other great facilities. Many different sports happen here, from ice hockey to gymnastics!

Discovering the Centre's Past

How the Centre Got Its Name

This awesome sports center is named after a Canadian hero, Étienne Desmarteau. He was an Olympic athlete who won a gold medal way back in the 1904 Summer Olympics. It's pretty special to have a building named after someone so accomplished!

A Place for Olympic Dreams

The Centre Étienne Desmarteau has a rich history. It first opened its doors in 1976. That year, Montreal hosted the famous 1976 Summer Olympics. The center was a big part of the games! It was used for the exciting preliminary basketball matches. Imagine watching future Olympic champions play right here!

From Olympics to Everyday Sports

After the Olympics, the center became a hub for local sports. It's mostly known for ice hockey now. But it's not just for hockey players! The gyms inside are busy with many other activities. You can find indoor soccer, basketball, and even rhythmic gymnastics happening here. It's a true multi-sport complex for everyone.

What's Inside the Centre?

The Ice Rinks: Where the Action Happens

The Centre Étienne Desmarteau has two main ice rinks. The biggest one is called the Caroline Ouellette rink. It has seats for 2,200 people. This rink is named after Caroline Ouellette, a famous Canadian hockey player. The second rink is a bit smaller. It's called the Jean Trottier rink and can hold 600 spectators. Both rinks are perfect for games and practices.

More Than Just Ice

Beyond the ice, the center offers other great facilities. There are two large Olympic-sized gymnasiums. These gyms are used for many different sports and training sessions. You'll also find changing rooms and a weights room. Athletes can train and get ready for their events here.

Who Uses the Centre Today?

Home to Sports Teams

The Centre Étienne Desmarteau is home to several sports teams. The Montreal Mission team plays ringette here. Ringette is a fast-paced team sport played on ice. Many amateur tournaments also take place at the center each year. It's a busy spot for local athletes.

Gymnastics and More

Upstairs, one of the gyms is home to the Club Rythmik Quebec. This club teaches rhythmic gymnastics. They offer classes for all ages and skill levels. You can find everything from fun recreational classes to training for international competitions. It's a great place to learn and grow as a gymnast.

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