3 minute read
BREAKING THE ICE
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.
Located 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 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
- CAMERON SORENSON
•38,843 square foot building houses an NHL-sized ice rink •Seating for 900, full-service snack bar •$9.5 million dollar facility on 3.83 acres of the 6 acres leased •Offers hockey, ice skating, broomball, curling, sycronized skating •Adaptive hockey programs for all ages •Available for private parties/events up to 150 skaters •The Greater Reno Community Ice Skating Association (GRCISA) 501(c)(3) •15500 Wedge Parkway, Reno, Nevada 89511 •775 636 6900
sports pedigree) keep the programs gliding along. Working behind the scenes, the Facility Operations Director has the cool job of keeping the ice smooth as glass. An important detail for new learners on wobbly ankles. With all that skating; you’re going to work up an appetite. Thank goodness for Roundabout Catering. Their team oversees the Snack Bar where you can fuel up on sandwiches, salads, drinks, and of course, hot cocoa to get you back in the game. “We are excited to be a part of this community organization. We’re proud of what RenoIce has brought to the area.” Beth McBride-Director of Sales & Catering.
With its immediate success, the facility is already running at
maximum capacity; being fully booked daily from 6am-11pm. It’s a challenge for ice time. With plans to open a 2nd rink adjacent to the first, fundraising is underway to secure the necessary $6.1 million dollars. So, how can you support this life changing project? Check out their website (renoice.com), where you can donate and register to volunteer. Or, skate over to their lively Facebook page @renoice for a dose of inspiration. See the smiles, the laughter. And if it’s been awhile (or decades) since you’ve been on the ice, maybe it’s time to lace up those skates.
Or, embrace a new sport...at any age.
