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Edmonton officials have endorsed a Hockey Canada vision for the Northlands Coliseum that would see four ice sheets, an indoor track and a high-performance dryland training centre established to create a hockey magnet in the city.

In a report released Thursday, city officials estimate it would cost $102 million. But one-third of the cost could be covered by shutting down four aging ice rinks in that part of the city. They’re hoping Hockey Canada can bring partners to the table to make a dent in the rest.

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“I’m encouraged by the report,” Mayor Don Iveson said Thursday. “They can bring real institutional heft to the table, potential sponsors and partnerships.”

Hockey Canada officials weren’t available for comment. But in a letter to Iveson, they said they’ve already met with both city school boards, hockey associations in the city and Alberta Athletics.

They believe the facility can serve many residents with four full-sized hockey rinks, classrooms, lecture halls, a theatre, research and technology, medical and training areas. “Edmonton has the potential to be on the leading edge worldwide of sport academy training programs.”