APEX, N.C. (WNCN) — It’s been a big weekend for sports in the Triangle, and hockey has been no exception.
The Carolina Hurricanes and the Town of Apex hosted their grand opening Saturday afternoon at the Apex Community Park. Dozens gathered at the park’s latest addition — two brand new street hockey rinks.
Canes’ president said street hockey, especially in an area that lacks icy places to play, is a great path to lead kids to the sport.
“That’s what I love about street hockey, ball hockey and deck hockey — it’s the easiest way to get into the game,” President Doug Warf said. “A lot of times ice hockey can be challenging with the high expenses, and you got to have ice availability.”
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Grand opening of the new street hockey rink (Courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes) -
New street hockey rink in Apex (Courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes) -
Player signs hockey stick for fan (Courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes) -
New street hockey rink now open in Apex (Courtesy of the Carolina Hurricanes)
The new rink comes as part of a partnership between the hockey team and the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund, through which $550,000 was provided to fund the project.
CBS 17 previously reported that the Town of Apex plans to offer youth and adult programs throughout the duration of the hockey rinks, along with tournaments, camps and clinics, and pick-up hockey.
The grand opening included a bouncy house, food trucks, and other fun activities for the families who attended.