Breaking the Ice
by Sandi Solomonson
What happens when old friends get together? They reminisce. Such was the case for Chris O’Neal, Joel Grace, and Cameron Sorenson who found their conversation turning to ice hockey and the positive impact it had on their youth. From a sense of comradery and learning teamwork, to providing focus and resilience, who knew this conversation would spearhead what is now proudly known as RenoIce.
L
ocated in South Reno, this state-of-the-art 38,843 square foot venue was 6 years in the making. From conception, there was a Mount Everest fundraising goal ($9.5 million), logistics that moved at glacial pace, and a pandemic. But finally, proudly opening January 2021 to an enthusiastic public. Chatting with General Manager Cameron Sorenson, you can feel his passion and dedication for this ambitious project. “We wanted to give Truckee Meadows youth the experience of ice sports, make a financially sustainable rink and promote community engagement,” said Sorenson. But this is no ordinary non-profit center. With the capacity to host hockey teams, curling matches, plus broomball, figure skating, ice skating, and synchronized skating, this
14 | FLOURISH RENO–TAHOE
facility offers a diverse range of ice sports, including lessons, for all ages. RenoIce partnered with Scheels to create a scholarship fund which subsidizes figure skating and ice hockey fees for underprivileged youth in our community. Similarly, the NHL Vegas Golden Knights generously donated hockey equipment for up to 480 kids. Just think how many lives will be positively impacted through these partnerships. Thank you Scheels and Vegas Golden Knights. But a successful ice sports facility doesn’t run on its own. “We have been blessed with a world class team of program administrators.Our staff and volunteers give back countless hourseveryone has a smile on their face,” Sorenson added. In addition to the coaches, teams of volunteers (some with distinguished
