BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Brick Township Ocean Ice Palace announced recently that it was closing. Today, Brick Township Mayor Ducey announced the future plans for the site.
The rink was purchased by the Harmony Hockey Group of Middletown in a partnership with Work Play Arena, LLC.
The Middletown-based company owns and operates ice rinks, the Middletown Sports Complex and a Swim Club.
It’s not the first time the group, which is home to the Titan’s Junior Hockey Club has saved a beloved community icon from closure.
In 2012, the organization purchased the Middletown Swim Club, saving it from closure, transforming it into the Middletown Sports Complex.
Now, the group has announced it will be taking over the Ocean Ice Palace.
“Harmony Hockey Group is honored to be adding one of the most historical ice rinks in New Jersey to its ever-growing family. Effective immediately, our team of experts will be operating and managing the facility,” the company said.
HHG currently owns and operates the Middletown Sports Complex which includes two ice rinks, three swimming pools, and turf fields. HHG also owns and operates the New Jersey Titans Hockey Club and the Jersey Whalers Hockey Club. Harmony Hockey Group looks forward to revitalizing hockey and skating in the Brick Township community.
With the acquisition of this facility, HHG has secured a home arena for its Jersey Whalers hockey club. At the same time, HHG had an opportunity to keep the doors of The Ocean Ice Palace open and continue to provide programs to the community of Brick Township as well as surrounding communities.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to acquire the Ocean Ice Palace as we feel very strongly that this opportunity will have a positive impact on the Jersey Shore for hockey players, ice skaters and the entire community. We felt that the potential closing of the doors would have put an end to the legacy of memories that have been created by the Brick Hockey Club and the many State Championships that Brick High School has won over the years, said George Haviland, CEO/President of Harmony Hockey.
Haviland went on to say, “The Palace has hosted some incredible events throughout it’s 60 years such as the Garden State Games for over 10 years, the USA Hockey National Tournament and was home to the Atlantic District Player Development Camp. The Atlantic District saw its first NHL player, Jim Dowd, rise to fame within the walls of Ocean Ice Palace. Brick High School and the Brick Hockey Club have made tremendous history throughout the years as they called Ocean Ice Palace their home and I am looking forward to continuing that deep history that the Brick Hockey Club and Brick High School has created at the Ocean Ice Palace.”
Harmony Hockey Group plans on offering a full slate of programming including Learn to Skate, Learn to Play Hockey, public skating and both travel and recreational hockey.
T