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History and Background of I.C.E.

“Involved Citizen’s Enterprises,” also known as “I.C.E.” is a non-profit volunteer community organization committed to providing affordable and accessible ice skating programs for Grand Traverse area residents. I.C.E. is the umbrella organization – similar to a sports booster program – for the major arena “user groups” who offer skating lessons and activities. These groups include: Traverse City Figure Skating Club, Grand Traverse Hockey Association, T.C. Central & West, Bay Area Reps High School & Northwest Warriors High School Hockey Teams, NAHL Jr. A North Stars, Adult Hockey Leagues and Public Skate Programs. I.C.E. was formed in the summer of 1982 following the closing of the privately owned Glacier Dome ice rink, which had served local skaters from 1974 to spring 1982. The Glacier Dome’s closing left local skaters with no available facilities within at least 100 miles to pursue their sport. I.C.E. and its volunteer user groups, in collaboration with Grand Traverse County, tried to maintain public skating, hockey and figure skating programs in temporary facilities, such as the “bubble rinks,” until a permanent facility could be achieved. I.C.E. planned to disband in 1989, after the construction and opening of Howe Arena. However, Grand Traverse County officials asked I.C.E. to continue to function as the umbrella organization overseeing skating programs and rink management. I.C.E. currently operates the arena six months per year, assuming complete responsibility for building and operational costs. Highlights in I.C.E.’s history follow and illustrate its commitment to community recreation and collaboration with Grand Traverse County and the community:

Spring 1982: Privately owned Glacier Dome closes.

Summer 1982: I.C.E. forms following meetings of interested citizens, skaters and parents committed to retaining adult and youth skating programs in the Traverse City area.

Fall 1982: I.C.E. borrows $40,000.00 from Grand Traverse County to purchase and erect “Bubble Rink.” (Loan was retired in 1987).

Spring 1983: I.C.E. opens “Bubble Rink” at the Civic Center, reduced skating resumes.

1984-89: I.C.E. User Groups providing skating programs in the Bubble; participation levels drop dramatically from Glacier Dome programming. Volunteer members pursue options to raise funds toward a permanent community ice facility.

1987: Bubble rink collapses and is destroyed by major windstorm. A second used Bubble rink is obtained.

1987-88: I.C.E. assumes leadership in rink fundraising; raises $300,000.00 through user assessments, fundraising events and grants toward new rink construction; accepts responsibility for funding 50 percent of $1.2 million Howe Arena.

1989: Howe Arena opens 9/89; 250 GTHA, 100 TCFSC and 80 Adult League Skaters.

1993: User membership doubles, exceeds capacity, 497/GTHA, 210/TBSC, 220 Adults.

May 1993: I.C.E. requests consideration for second rink; requests consideration from Grand Traverse County, offers fundraising and financial support. User groups report the closing of registrations, limiting participation due to lack of ice time.

1994: M.C. Smith studies regional recreational needs through 2010. Cites need for additional ice facilities. Recommends new rink to be located at Civic Center.

Winter/Spring 1995: All User Groups exceed member capacity; rink in operation 15-18 hours daily. Grand Traverse County approves master plan, rink location and funding.

September 1995: Request for bond financing by I.C.E. for arena construction defeated in a public referendum which dictated no future building at Civic Center.

December 1995: I.C.E. receives donation of 13 acres in East Bay Township from Traverse City businessmen Marty Lagina and Craig Tester.

Spring/Summer 1996: East Bay Township consideration and approval of P.U.D.; site plan and utilization for proposed East Bay I.C.E. Arena.

August 1996: Groundbreaking for East Bay I.C.E. Arena; completion for April 1997.

April 1997: Centre Ice Arena opens David’s Rink-April 7, Republic Rink- June, First Detroit Red Wings Training Camp- Sept.

September 1998: First NHL Prospect Tournament at Centre Ice.

Sept 2001: Jr. A Enforcers begin play.

March 2004: Howe Arena debt retired.

May 2004: 500+/GTHA, 300+/TCFSC, 500+/Adult League Skaters.

Sept 2004: Jr. A Enforcers Disband.

Summer 2005: Locker rooms 17 & 18 added.

Sept 2005: NAHL Jr. A North Stars debut.

Sept 2005: New ticket office, suite and press box built.

Aug 2007: Lockerooms 9,12,15 & 16 renovated.

Sept. 2010: West End Addition Completed:
- (2) NHL Size Locker rooms
- (2) Rental Suites
- North End Mezzanine

Oct. 2010: “A Little School House @ Centre Ice” Day Care Center opens in South End Suite.

July 2011:  First Red Wing Development Camp.

April 2012: NAHL Jr A  North Stars disband.

Sept 2013:  Traverse City Hounds Jr Hockey begins play in the Midwest Jr Hockey League.

April 2014:  Curling starts at Centre Ice with the formation of the Traverse City Curling Club.

October 2014: Centre Ice Fitness becomes the new operator of the fitness center at Centre Ice Arena. 

January 2015: Frances Rossiter becomes the first Traverse City Figure Skating Club member in history to compete at the US Figure Skating National Championships.

March 2015: Locker Rooms 1, 4 and 7  renovated.

April 2015: Inaugural Curling Bonspiel - Cherry BOMB-spiel - at Centre Ice.

September 2015: Midwest Jr Hockey League disbands. TC Hounds move to United States Premier Hockey League.

Summer 2016: Energy efficient improvements at Centre Ice include a new cooling tower and LED lighting in both David's and West Rinks. Energy rebates provided by Cherryland Electric make this project possible.

September 2016: TC Hounds renamed Traverse City North Stars Jr A.

March 2017: Traverse City North Stars Junior A team plays final game at Centre Ice Arena.

July 2017: Final Detroit Red Wings Development Camp held at Centre Ice Arena. Wings move camp to the new Little Caesar's Arena in 2018.

Summer 2017: Traverse City North Stars Junior A team disbands.

April 16, 2018: Crowdfunding campaign launched to raise funds for rink renovations necessary to comply with new safety regulations mandated by the NHL. Upgrades required in order for Detroit Red Wings Training Camp and NHL Prospect Tournament to return to Centre Ice Arena. 

May 14. 2018: Rink renovations begin at Centre Ice.

June 2018: Rink renovations complete. Centre Ice becomes NHL compliant. New safety standards enhance experience for all athletes and spectators.

June 2018: New ammonia chiller and heat exchanger installed at Centre Ice. 

September 2018: 20th Anniversary Detroit Red Wings Training Camp and NHL Prospect Tournament held at Centre Ice Arena. Contract signed solidifying Red Wings Training Camp to return for at least 3 years; NHL Prospect Tournament for at least 5 years.

September 2018: Gibby's Concessions becomes new Centre Ice concessions operator.

May 23, 2019: Terry Marchand retires as I.C.E. Executive Director after 16-year tenure. Todd Spaulding announced as new Executive Director.

September 2019:  Michael Pascarelli becomes new owner of Hockey Shop North.

March 16, 2020: Centre Ice closes its doors until April 13 as mandated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in response to the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.

  • Mandate Extends Closure to April 30
  • Mandate Extends Closure to May 28 - Plan in place to reopen one rink at Centre Ice in early June
  • Mandate Extends Closure to June 10 - FINAL MANDATE

June 10, 2020: Centre Ice Fitness Reopens.

June 17, 2020: West Rink Reopens.

July 8, 2020: David's Rink Reopens.