On Friday (Jan. 19), the Pond Ice Arena in Newark, Del. is officially undergoing a transformation. The Pond, built in 1996, will become the Patriot Ice Center and be taken over by longtime Delaware hockey advocates Dr. Alex Bohatiuk and Mark Cardillo, the rink’s longtime hockey director.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity,” says Cardillo. “It’s the next step in continuing a landmark in our community and furthering our mission of creating access for everyone who wants to try out skating or hockey on any level.”
Bohatiuk and Cardillo formed a relationship 17 years ago when they partnered together to form the Pond Penguins. Since then, the program has grown by leaps and bounds. It was only a matter of time to naturally take the next step. For the partners, the belief is that when people are given opportunities to try and learn the sport, they will develop a passion for the on-ice activities at the centre. Programs and activities that the Newark area has come to know and love will stay the same with only slight modifications along the way.
A ribbon cutting is planned in March; details will be announced online at www.patrioticecenter.com.
For questions and media inquiries, please contact Gabriel Phillips and info@patrioticecenter.com or 302.689.3338.
(Patriot Ice Center)
