By Jason Holland, Edmonton Journal December 16, 2010

I am a professional hockey player currently playing in Germany for the winter. I have played professionally in North America.

People need to understand what a new arena would bring to the city.

Edmonton will turn into a Saskatoon or a Winnipeg before we know it. The city is filled with people who don't want higher taxes -- this is understandable -- but times are pretty good for most Edmontonians. It's important to develop the city.

If we as Edmontonians want industry to stay here when the oilsands dry up, we must make an effort toward progress.

I was born in Edmonton and own a home there that I return to every summer and eventually will retire to and don the parka for the long winters. I love my city, but also want to continue to prosper there.

People need to realize that the new arena is a must for the city. They need to be educated about the positives of such a facility and what it would bring to Edmonton.

They need to look past Daryl Katz and the income of the Oilers players. These are things that will never change. As a city, why not take something while we can? What happens in five or 10 years, when Katz is no longer around or wants a bigger market?

It would improve our downtown tremendously. Look at Winnipeg or Quebec City, they are desperate to get teams.

There is a lot of truth to the saying: invest in your future and it will pay dividends.

I am 34 years old and I am willing to sacrifice and go the extra mile, so why aren't most of my neighbours?

Jason Holland, Dusseldorf