County’s Cantiague Park Ice Rink now housing team store, pro shop
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano joined New York Islanders forward Michael Grabner at the grand opening of the New York Islanders Pro Shop in Cantiague Park in Hicksville on Saturday, Sept. 8.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Grabner, a former 34-goal scorer, hosted an on-ice clinic with two local youth teams and signed autographs and one of Grabner’s game-worn jerseys was auctioned off. Fans also had the opportunity to join the Ice Girls and Islanders’ mascot, Sparky, during the public skate session.
The new outlet is a fully functioning pro shop that has items such as skates (ice hockey, inline hockey and figure), hockey sticks, equipment for youth through adult and skate sharpening capabilities.
A longtime favorite spot for local skaters and youth hockey teams, Cantiague’s indoor skating rink has also played host to Olympic gold medalists such as Nancy Kerrigan, who performed there in 2004, and was the New York Islanders practice facility from 1979 to 1992.
The rink is open Monday through Sunday, from September through May and offers approximately 30 hours of public sessions a week, including speed-skating sessions. In addition, the rink has hockey programs, group and private lessons and figure skating clubs. Birthday parties may also be arranged during public sessions.
Public skating fees for residents with a Leisure Pass are: $7 for adults, $5 for children and $4 for seniors, those with disabilities, veterans and volunteer firefighters. For patrons without Leisure Pass, the fees are $20 for adults and $14 for children. For more information, call (516) 571-7056.
