James Metzger - Everything I ever needed to know about business I learned on the sports field » Rangers Help Local Rinks Recover From Sandy

Rangers Help Local Rinks Recover From Sandy
Apr 01, 2013Posted by james

The New York Rangers have a state-of-the-art practice facility in Greenburgh in Westchester County. Before that, their home was at the Playland Ice Casino in Rye. Even earlier, they skated at the Long Beach Arena on Long Island.

The latter two rinks were badly damaged by Hurricane Sandy last October, and both have been closed all this time. The Rangers, always supportive of the New York community and hockey fans, recently went on the power play to help with repairs to get these rinks back to full strength.

“New York Rangers Assist” is a new Rangers program supported by Chase Bank, one of the team’s major sponsors. It was designed, according to the team, “to improve the youth hockey experience and increase opportunities and accessibility to hockey.” The first task for the program is to refurbish these rinks that cater to a high volume of youth, high school and college hockey.

Playland will receive a new refrigeration system and roof, plus structural repairs. The rink should be ready after the summer. While a timetable has not been set for Long Beach, repairs will include a new refrigeration system, new ice and flooring, a new ice resurfacing machine and electrical repairs.

The Rangers had practiced at the Long Beach Arena and other Long Island rinks before they surrendered the territory to the expansion New York Islanders. The Rangers then practiced and trained at Playland from 1979 until they moved to Greenburgh during 2002.

For years, the Rangers organization—the executives and other employees, the players and former players—have embraced New York from Manhattan to Long Island and now throughout Westchester. They regularly participate in the Madison Square Garden Company’s Garden of Dreams program for children facing health and other obstacles. They also are involved with many other local charities and they still find time to skate with fans in Bryant Park and Central Park.

The thrill associated with the new Rangers Assist game plan for youth hockey is similar to netting a game-winning goal. It is another great example of the impact that a business and its employees can have within a community.