Ice and Snow Cause Partial Roof Collapse at Hirsch
Melting snow and ice sliding down the Hirsch Coliseum main roof crashed through some of the arena's flat-roofed extensions this weekend, causing extensive damage to part of the almost seventy-year-old facility.
Shreveport Mudbugs Hockey owner Tommy Scott first described the damage in a Facebook post on Sunday:
"George’s Pond didn’t weather the storm without damage. The snow and ice falling off of the roof crashed through the roof of our kitchen, gym, and damaged the women’s bathroom. Who knew the thaw would be the worst part?"
Scott says that as temperatures across the area rose, sheets of snow and ice came sliding down the slanted, metal structure and through the top of the flat-roofed additions. He adds that extensive damage was done to the food preparation area, the hockey team's weight room, the team's laundry facility and a womens lavatory. In addition, a fence on the west side of the building was damaged, as was a local car dealer's display vehicle in front of the Hirsch.
The Mudbugs owner also says that the damage won't have an impact on the upcoming home hockey schedule and other ice-oriented events, including adult and youth hockey. He adds, however, that because of the uncertainty of water service, bathroom and shower use will probably be restricted. The 'Bugs next home games are scheduled for the weekend of March 5, 6 and 7.