HAYMARKET, Va. - The Prince William Hockey Club has a place to call home again.

After Prince William Ice Center’s roof collapsed during a snowstorm in February, the youth hockey club was left without a place to play.

The ice center owners expected to have their rink open in time for this season, but, in August, announced that they would not reopen in time.

Without the Ice Center, hockey club members had to travel to ice rinks in Maryland to play.

So, Prince William Hockey Club members began looking for another solution.

“We decided as a club it would be best to get an ice rink,” Prince William Hockey Club President Ron Evans said.

Club members got approval from the Haymarket Town Council to convert an abandoned building at 15151 Washington St. into a temporary ice rink, which they plan to use until the Prince William Ice Center reopens.

The club is holding a grand opening ceremony for their new temporary rink Oct. 30, from 1:10 to 2 pm.

The celebration is open to the public and will include a flag dedication ceremony, a raffle, food for purchase and ice hockey.

Evans said the ice rink has been open for about a week and has gotten good reviews from those who have used it.

“Everyone’s very excited and just ready to play some hockey,” Evans said.

About 700 people, including youth, teen and adult hockey players and figure skaters are expected to use the ice rink, Evans said.

Volunteers from the Prince William Hockey Club helped to get the rink ready to open.

“This never would have happened without our volunteers,” Evans said.

For more information about the Prince William Hockey Club, visit www.pwhockey.com.

--Amanda Stewart

http://www2.insidenova.com/news/2010/oct/29/ice-hockey-rink-open-haymarket-ar-616980