Hockey is coming home to a brand new building. The renovated Centennial Arena is officially ready, and the Winkler Flyers will be the first to christen it Friday night when they host the Steinbach Pistons at 7:30 pm. After months of construction updates and sneak peeks, we stepped inside the finished arena with Flyers forward Niklas Gudmunson to get a player’s perspective from ice level. A full video tour is embedded below, but here is a closer look at what stood out. “It kind of takes your breath away” Gudmunson said walking onto the ice for the first practice in the renovated building was a moment he will not forget. “It’s pretty incredible,” he said. “Just kind of coming out through the gate yesterday for our first practice, it was pretty unbelievable.” Even with no fans in the stands, the building already felt alive. “The boys are screaming. Everything echoes in here,” Gudmunson said. “It’s going to be loud. Friday’s going to be loud. Saturday’s going to be loud. I cannot wait. It’s going to be electric.” For a team gearing up for playoffs, the timing could not be better. A Jumbotron and a Full Bowl of Fans When asked what caught his eye the most, Gudmunson did not hesitate. “You’re looking at it,” he said, pointing to the new four sided jumbotron. “That four sided jumbotron is pretty cool. Just kind of something we haven’t had in previous years.” He also highlighted the way the seating now wraps fully around the rink. “I think also the full bowl, just to have fans kind of all the way around, which is going to be great,” he said. The updated suites and upgraded broadcast booth add another layer to the fan experience, giving the arena a modern feel while keeping the intensity close to the ice. Related stories: New Centennial Arena ice system nearing game-ready as Winkler prepares for occupancy Winkler set to receive keys to newly renovated and transformed Centennial Arena Where Is the Best Seat? Gudmunson believes there may not be a bad seat in the house, but he did offer a few suggestions. “Honestly, we were sitting behind the goal and it looked pretty awesome,” he said. “It kind of reminds me of student sections from college hockey.” The new standing room section is also expected to be a popular gathering place, offering a clear view of the entire ice surface. With the boards already shaking during practice, players are anticipating plenty of glass pounding and noise once the building is packed. A Boost for the Entire Pembina Valley While opening night belongs to Winkler, the excitement stretches far beyond city limits. Fans from across the Pembina Valley are expected to fill the renovated arena not only this weekend, but throughout a potential playoff run. “I cannot wait,” Gudmunson said. “I’m just excited for the first game to get all the energy out and really get it going. Hopefully the fans bring it.” After months of anticipation, the wait is almost over. The renovated Centennial Arena opens its doors Friday night, marking the start of a new era of hockey in Winkler and a new gathering place for the entire region.