Anaheim Ice
Anaheim Ice, originally Disney Ice, is an indoor ice rink complex located in Anaheim, California. It is well-known for being one of architect Frank Gehry’s greatest masterpieces. It served as the Anaheim Ducks’ National Hockey League practice and training rink until 2019, when it was relocated to Great Park Ice. The venue currently accommodates youth hockey, figure skating tournaments, and public skating. It also serves as the home rink for the University of Southern California club hockey team and hosted the 2010 PAC-8 Hockey Conference Tournament.
History
Disney Ice was commissioned by Michael Eisner, then-CEO of Disney, who stated, “I was looking for the next generation of American architects, and he was among those who were pushing the boundaries. We purchased a hockey team. We needed a rink for practice.” The structure resembles a pair of gigantic quonset huts, and features a wooden interior with laminated beams and bracing, providing “a nautical impression that evokes the inverted ship shape of Gehry’s Disney Concert Hall”. It first opened in 1995.
When the Anaheim Ducks (then known as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim) were sold to Henry Samueli and his wife Susan in 2005, they also purchased Disney Ice, which they renamed Anaheim Ice.
The Ducks moved their practices to Great Park Ice in Irvine, California, in late 2019.
Anaheim Ice temporarily ceased operations on March 14, 2020, owing to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Despite later resuming operations, Anaheim Ice facilities agreed in August 2020 to comply with ongoing California state COVID-19 rules.
Anaheim Ice serves as the location for the cover of NHL 23, the 2022 version of EA Sports’ NHL video game franchise. The cover shows Anaheim Ducks player Trevor Zegras and Hockey Canada member Sarah Nurse.
The Rinks
The Rinks Development Program began in 2009 and now includes seven ice rinks (The Rinks – Anaheim ICE, The Rinks – KHS ICE, The Rinks – Lakewood ICE, The Rinks – Westminster ICE, The Rinks – Yorba Linda ICE, The Rinks – Poway ICE, and Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena) and two inline facilities throughout Southern California (The Rinks – Corona Inline and The Rinks – Irvine Inline).
The Rinks provide a wide range of hockey and skating activities for people of all ages and skill levels, and they are home to thousands of young and adult hockey players, recreational skaters, and Olympic figure skaters. Daily public ice skating and roller skating sessions, youth and adult hockey programs and leagues, figure skating, learn to skate workshops, curling, birthdays, and group activities are among the offerings. For program specifics, schedules, and other information, go to the Rinks location page.
Next Point of Interest: La Mirada Community Regional Park