Center Ice Arena facts for kids

Center Ice Arena is a super cool place in Delmont, Pennsylvania, where people go to skate on ice! It first opened its doors in 1997. This arena has three big ice rinks, just like the ones used in the National Hockey League (NHL). It's a busy spot, home to many different teams, from high school to college and even amateur players.

What Makes Center Ice Arena Special?

Center Ice Arena is more than just a place to skate. It's a hub for ice sports in the area.

• Three NHL-sized Rinks: Imagine skating on ice sheets as big as those used by professional hockey players! Center Ice Arena has three of them.
• Home for Teams: Many teams practice and play their games here. There are eight different high school teams, one college team, and one amateur team that call this arena their home ice.
• Summer Fun: One of the rinks, called the Allegheny Arena, gets a cool makeover in the summer. It transforms from an ice rink into a roller rink! This change started in 2003, offering a different kind of skating fun when the weather gets warm.

Famous Skaters from Center Ice

Center Ice Arena has seen many talented hockey players come through its doors. One of the most famous is R. J. Umberger.

• Local Hero: R. J. Umberger played for Plum High School and was a big star in Pennsylvania high school hockey.
• Professional Career: After high school, Umberger went on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for well-known teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• Honored Jersey: To celebrate his amazing career, R. J. Umberger's old Plum Mustangs jersey hangs proudly in the rafters of Center Ice Arena's East Rink. It's a special way to remember his achievements and inspire young skaters.