Ralph Engelstad Arena in Lawsuit.

Here is an interesting story I don't think many people knew about. It has probably kind of flown under the radar. The company CIMCO that REA is suing is being represented by a UND grad as well.

Ralph Engelstad Arena sues over ‘inefficient’ ice-making
By: Archie Ingersoll, Grand Forks Herald
The ice in Ralph Engelstad Arena hovers just above 20 degrees — the ideal temperature for hockey.

But inches below the hard, fast surface, there’s a multimillion-dollar problem, according to the Grand Forks arena.

The Ralph says the systems that make ice in both rinks in the landmark arena weren’t built to agreed-upon specifications.

“The whole system is just running inefficiently,” said Pat Morley, REA’s attorney. “As a result, the maintenance and energy costs are … way, way too high.”

Because of this alleged inefficiency, REA has brought a lawsuit against CIMCO, a Canadian company that installed the rinks and the ice-making equipment.

But CIMCO’s attorney Mark Hanson argues that his client’s work is not causing The Ralph’s problem.

“We frankly don’t see any issues with the equipment and how it was installed,” he said. “We just believe the arena needs to make adjustments.”

Some residents of Grand Forks County recently received surveys in the mail about the suit from a consultant hired by CIMCO. Hanson said the surveys — which ask questions about REA, UND and its hockey program — were sent out to learn what type of juror could be fair and impartial. (Read the whole article right here)