COLROADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The USA Hockey Foundation has finalized the purchase of Compuware Arena, effective today, and will take over operations of the Plymouth, Michigan, facility immediately.
“It’s an exciting day for us,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of The USA Hockey Foundation and USA Hockey. “There are a lot of people to thank, too many to mention them all, but I’d particularly like to recognize Tony Rossi for all of his hard work on this effort and also commend our Board for their vision and support throughout the process. Obviously there is much work ahead, but we look forward to the future and all the opportunities having this facility will bring.”
DeGregorio noted the facility will be called USA Hockey Arena and that it will serve as the new home for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, beginning with the 2015-16 season.
“We’re grateful to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube, which has been the home of the NTDP since it was founded in 1996,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of the USA Hockey Foundation and USA Hockey. “The good news is, that for fans in Ann Arbor, we will not be far away. Also, we very much look forward to welcoming the fans of the Plymouth Whalers and we’re confident they’ll enjoy the product they’ll see on the ice. Our two teams that make up the NTDP play in the USHL, which is the top junior hockey league in our country. Coupled with some of the college opponents that we’ll host, as well as international competition, our schedule of games and events will be very attractive to fans.”
“There’s a lot to accomplish now that the sale is complete,” continued Ogrean. “We intend to have a formal press conference and community event later this spring and at that time will have more details related to what fans and the community can expect going forward.”
Notes: The purchase of the facility, which includes two ice sheets, also includes the drive-in movie business that operates in the arena parking lot during the summer months, C.J.’s Restaurant and the arena pro shop. USA Hockey intends to continue operation of all three … USA Hockey Arena will remain the home of the Compuware youth hockey program … The NTDP is expected to re-locate to USA Hockey Arena over the course of the summer.
