http://philly.metro.us/metro/local/a...key/14352.html
Flyers boss looks to save youth hockey
The three city ice rinks slated for closure under the mayor’s budget cut plans will be saved by the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, Metro has learned.
The foundation, started by the owner of the Flyers and Sixers to spread ice hockey into the inner-city, is expected to take over operation of the rinks in Kensington, West Philadelphia and West Oak Lane, according to sources close to the discussions. A press conference to announce the partnership may come this week.
“It’s been an ongoing conversation with the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and they’re interested in helping to support our activities at a number of our ice rinks,” Mayor Michael Nutter said this week, noting that the discussions started before his announcement to close the Scanlon Ice Rink, Simons Ice Rink and Laura Sims Skatehouse in Cobbs Creek.
Tarken Ice RInk in Northeast Philadelphia and the Rizzo Rink in South Philadelphia were not threatened by the cuts and will remain open as well.
Snider's foundation began operating after-school programming at the three rinks last year, including academic support and life skill lessons alongside work on the ice.
“I know they have a vested interested in having it here,” said Steve Smith, who runs the Laura Sims Skatehouse. “We’re keeping kids off the street and doing a lot of good for kids in the city.”
He said earlier this week that the staff there was in limbo and wasn’t sure if it would be able to open as scheduled Nov. 28. He said it’ll take three days to get the ice down over what is now being used for roller skating.
Ed Snider to save Youth Hockey in the city
Linear Mode
