I.C.E., Inc. kicks off campaign to build a much-needed second sheet of ice for the community

VERONA, Wis., April 19, 2022 – The demand for ice time at local ice arenas has soared in the past decade. The huge population growth of Dane County, along with an increase in demand for youth sports, means that Verona Ice Arena is no longer able to serve the community effectively. Today, I.C.E., Inc., the nonprofit owner and operator of Verona Ice Arena, is excited to announce the “Ice for Kids of All Ages” fundraising campaign to raise at least $7 million to build an addition and double the size of the current facility.

“A second sheet of ice will help support the growth of youth hockey, foster a figure skating program, provide more opportunities for the public to participate in open skating sessions, and provide an opportunity to increase local tourism,” said Joel Marshall, Verona Ice Arena’s Director of Operations.

Connected to the existing Verona Ice Arena, the planned second sheet of ice would be built directly to the south of the existing building, where the current outdoor seasonal rink is located.

Businesses to Benefit

Youth hockey tournaments, which often stretch three-days and bring in out-of-town guests, will mean additional visitors and dollars for the Verona community. Hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and convenience stores will all see increased business with the addition of hockey tournaments in Verona. Additionally, the larger venue could also be converted in the off-season and used for trade shows, concerts, and other revenue generators for the community.

Fundraising Under Way

Together, the Jingles O’Brien Scholarship Fund and the O’Brien family have pledged an initial gift of $1,000,000 to kick off the “Ice for Kids of All Ages” Campaign. Mike O’Brien is a second-generation skater, whose father, William “Jingles” O’Brien found success both as a local bar owner and as a player with the Rockton, Illinois Cardinals, which were associated with the Chicago Blackhawks. Mike’s children are current Verona Wildcats Youth Hockey Association coaches, and his grandchildren are youth hockey players.

“Every day I am able to honor my dad’s true grit and big heart by giving back through the fund,” said Mike O’Brien, President of I.C.E., Inc. and Founder of the Jingles O’Brien Scholarship Fund. “It is a way to give back to area hockey clubs and ice arenas by removing the cost barrier to participate. This allows children an equal opportunity to play, exercise, and participate in an organized sport.”

100 Extraordinary Women Initiative

As a segment of the $7 million fundraising campaign, women are working to raise at least $100,000 through the 100 Extraordinary Women Initiative. The goal is to bring a minimum of 100 women together to sponsor girls’/women’s changing rooms for the new ice arena, through gifts of $1,000 each. Gifts can be made in a woman’s own name or in honor or memory of another woman; men can also give to honor a woman in their life. A generous donor has agreed to match every dollar raised in this initiative, up to $100,000, doubling the impact! The growth of girls’ hockey has been a substantial part of Verona Ice Arena’s success, and the new rink will provide even more opportunities for girls to play hockey.

“I have many great memories of Verona Ice Arena from my playing days as a goaltender on the University of Wisconsin Women’s Hockey Team,” said Jessie Vetter, former University of Wisconsin goalie and Olympic medalist. “We had numerous practices and games at this rink. I’m excited to help Verona Ice Arena as they work toward constructing dedicated women’s locker rooms and bathrooms/showers. These renovations will be a wonderful addition to this hockey arena which will benefit female hockey players and other guests.”

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About I.C.E., Inc.

I.C.E., Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is the owner and operator of Verona Ice Arena. Verona Ice Arena has provided more than 25 years of hockey and skating programs to the community. It is the home of Verona Wildcats Youth Hockey Association, a club committed to creating a family-friendly community of individuals focused on all aspects of skater development and the promotion of hockey in Verona and the surrounding area.

www.veronaice.com/rink2