“It’s been a tough journey for us in our careers,” said Peter. “We’ve had to spend many years away from our family and our friends, and we want to eliminate that. We want to try to offer an opportunity for the community here in Nassau County, to allow these families to stay together and develop right here in our backyard.”

The indoor ice rinks will be located inside the Ferraro Brothers Ice Center. The outdoor rink will be used to host skating lessons, youth programs, tournaments and hockey teams of all ages, said Mangano. The center will also include a full-sized turf field, four regulation-sized basketball courts, a handball wall, and a rollerblade and stroller path connecting the complex with paths that surround the Aquatic Center.

The center will become home to at least two youth hockey organizations — the Long Island Gulls Amateur Hockey Association and the New York Junior Bobcats. “In today’s day and age, anything that engages our young people in positive way has to be a good thing,” said Gonsalves.

Mangano said that the complex is expected to create about 20 jobs, and generate $35 million for the county over the next five years without raising taxes. “Creating this kind of sports entertainment destination will enhance our quality of life, as well as create jobs and opportunities,” he said.