Front and center on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the official re-opening of the famed Ice Casino at Playland by Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino were 5 members of the Rye Varsity Hockey Program (sporting their black jerseys!) representing Rye High School and the Varsity Hockey Team. Coach Peter Thomas , Theo Bresolin, Nat Deen, Derek Mullane and Tommy O’Brien stood next to Mike Richter (!), Manhattanville College President Jon Strauss, and Shane Coppola, chairman and CEO of American Skating Entertainment Centers amongst others. Also on hand were members of the Manhattanville Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Teams, the Rye Rangers, and the Rye Figure Skating Club.
“The reopening of the Ice Casino could not come at a better time given that we are celebrating the 40th anniversary season of the Rye High School Varsity Hockey Team” said Karen Bresolin of the Rye High School Hockey Booster Club. “Players, coaches and parents have really missed being at their home ice. Now, we are all looking forward to great hockey and welcoming back our wonderful fans.”
“We are honored to be part of the grand re-opening of the Playland Ice Casino” said Coach Thomas. “ Obviously it has been a difficult two years for all the teams that call Playland home. It was especially difficult for Rye HS, being that the rink has been our home for our entire history and we have always gotten terrific fan support. Fortunately, things worked out well this year for us to return to Playland to celebrate our 40th Season. We are really excited to be back at Playland and partnering with the great people at Playland Ice.”
After $4.9 million in renovations the 85-year old Art Deco Ice Casino on Long Island Sound is once again open to the public after suffering severe damage from Superstorm Sandy two years ago to the day.
Other returning groups and teams include the Westchester Dragons/Mariners, New Rochelle Lightning, Hockey North America, Westchester Vipers, HVHL Mite League, Fordham Prep, Nates Euro Hockey, Rye Town Titans and Team Image.
The Ice Casino is now being operated as Playland Ice under a 10-year agreement with American Skating, the largest independent owner/operator of ice rinks in the United States. As the new operator, American Skating will invest $640,000 of its money into the building over the next 18 months for capital improvements. This money will go largely toward refurbishing and modernizing the interior with upgraded floors, lighting, electronics, bathrooms, locker rooms and guest services areas.
