In an exciting development for the Westminster community, Westminster Ice Arena will keep its doors open.

Earlier this offseason, the Ice Realm announced the reopening of Westminster Ice Arena, located at 13071 Springdale Street, and its commitment to ensuring that the heart of local ice sports in Westminster continues to beat strong. 

This decision comes as a result of collaborative efforts between the Ice Realm, also the current ownership group of Icetown Carlsbad and the Jr. Reign Youth Hockey Club, the Anaheim Ducks organization, and the building ownership, all of whom have prioritized the local community.

Rick Hutchinson, a longtime member of the Ducks organization, joined Ice Realm as its executive vice president this summer and is excited to move forward with the growth of the two rinks and the Jr Reign Youth Hockey club, grassroots hockey and bring back skating to the community. Known fondly in the hockey community as “Hutch,” Rick was recently named to USA Hockey’s board of directors as a Pacific District representative and will be directly involved in efforts to grow hockey across the nation. 

“We will soon be transitioning our Ice Realm brand to both Westminster and Icetown Carlsbad,” explained Hutchinson. “That’s exciting news to have two facilities. At Westminster, we’ve been doing a lot of rehab and repairs and preparing the building for the community.

“With several improvements to the rink already complete, we are asking the community to come by and check it out. Public skates are such an important part of enjoying the rink and bringing skating to the local community.  We have regular public sessions daily. Live schedules can be viewed on our website. 

“We also launched our adult leagues, Youth Hockey 101, learn to skate, and skating school programs, including our ‘First Steps’ try skating for FREE introductory program.”

Jr. Reign club hockey teams will call Carlsbad, Westminster and Icetown Riverside home, while the Ontario Jr. Reign and San Diego Sabers USPHL Premier junior hockey teams will continue to be part of the hockey development path at Ice Realm, along with high school hockey programs including St. John Bosco, Carlsbad United, Mater Dei, Pacific Ridge, the Frontier Selects, and others. 

“We are a grassroots hockey program all the way through junior hockey,” Hutchinson said. “We’re in the process of creating a hockey and skating road map. With my past experience at the grassroots level with the Ducks and USA Hockey we are definitely excited to bring hockey, figure skating, and everything else back to Westminster. We are working on all that currently and want to let the community know that we are ready to go.”

The announcement came amid concerns about the looming closure of the arena, which serves as a hub for ice skating, hockey, figure skating, and other ice sports and community events. Its closure would have left a significant void in the lives of countless residents, impacting not only athletes but families, fans, and supporters who consider the arena a second home. 

“We are thrilled to announce that Westminster Ice Arena will remain open, continuing to be a beacon of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and joy for our community,” said Benjamin Frank, CEO of Ice Realm. “The Ice Realm organization is committed to grassroots hockey, growing figure skating, ice sports, and other community engagement. Our investment in local ice arenas and facilities demonstrates our belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire.”

“We are proud to stand alongside Westminster Ice Arena and the community it serves,” added Joyce Frank, director of athlete success for Ice Realm. “At the core of our mission is the belief that sports have the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. As Westminster Ice Arena prepares to embark on this new chapter, it extends its deepest gratitude to the Ducks organization, Art Trottier, the building ownership, and the entire community for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we have ensured that the lights will continue to shine bright on the ice, illuminating the dreams and aspirations of generations to come.”

 Hutchinson reiterated that at the grassroots level, each rink is its own community and family.

“That’s a big part of who we are as a culture within the Ice Realm,” he said. “We really want to embrace the community.  We can introduce the sport of skating and hockey to new families, and that’s key in California. There are so many families that have never skated and once they realize that they love it, it just grows from there.  So come on by and bring a friend!”

For more information, visit www.icerealm.com.

Photos/Clarity Experiences

— Matt Mackinder

(September 14, 2024)