Emile Francis Ice Arena ready to debut its new upgrades

The Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena is preparing to welcome skaters back with several new upgrades.

Councilman Mike Reinhart recently provided an update video on the city’s Facebook page on the improvements and expressed enthusiasm for the community’s return to the ice.

One significant change is a new paint job, which is expected to make the arena look more inviting.

“We have a brand-new paint job,” Reinhart said. “I think we had the original paint job on this for years, so we’re excited about that.”

Safety has also been enhanced with new netting around the rink, further protecting fans and players. The functionality of the arena has been improved with new Zamboni doors, provided by the G2H Foundation.

The G2H Foundation was established in memory of Gerrin Hagen, a lifelong hockey and lacrosse player from Long Beach who died in a skateboarding accident on Jan. 12 of last year. After a candlelight vigil outside the ice arena, Hagen’s family created the foundation to support school, sports, and service scholarships. The foundation collaborates with athletic programs and community organizations to provide financial assistance and promote a “Team First” attitude.

The city accepted a donation of $10,000 from the G2H Foundation last month for the new Zamboni gate doors, aimed at facilitating smoother and more efficient ice maintenance. The arena will also offer new public skating sessions, providing an opportunity for community members of all ages to enjoy the ice.

With the hockey season about to start, local teams and players are eager to return to the upgraded facility. Reinhart encouraged everyone to come and see the changes.

The ice arena’s upgrades represent a significant investment in the community’s recreational facilities. Residents can look forward to a refreshed arena that improves the experience for skaters, hockey players and fans.

As the final touches were being completed, the ice arena is set to become a top destination for ice sports and public skating.