The Carolina Hurricanes and the Town of Apex are set to celebrate the opening of two new street hockey rinks at Apex Community Park. The event will take place on Saturday at 2 p.m., as announced by Doug Warf, President of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. The rinks were funded through a partnership with the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund (IGF), which contributed $550,000 to the project.
The public is invited to attend the grand opening, which will include food trucks, the Hurricanes Storm Tour trailer, bounce houses, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to see two Hurricanes players participate in opening games alongside alumnus Shane Willis and Team President Doug Warf. Also present will be Sean Whyte, Senior Director of the NHL’s IGF, and officials from the Town of Apex including Mayor Jacques K. Gilbert.
Mayor Gilbert expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “The town is thrilled to partner with the Carolina Hurricanes on this project, furthering our goal of providing unique opportunities for visitors and residents of all ages and abilities.” He highlighted that this partnership offers socially vulnerable youth access to a sport that has gained popularity in North Carolina.
The rinks measure 160-by-75 feet each and feature aluminum prefabricated dasher board systems among other amenities. One rink is designed as a multipurpose court for hockey, futsal, and basketball; while the other is dedicated solely to hockey. The Town of Apex along with the Hurricanes plans to offer various programs such as try-hockey-for-free sessions, organized leagues, tournaments, camps, clinics, and pick-up games.
The IGF was established in 2013 by both the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players’ Association with support from all 32 NHL Clubs. It aims to promote long-term fan development and increase participation in hockey across all levels with a focus on youth engagement. Since its creation, over $200 million has been allocated by IGF towards developing programs that raise awareness and bring hockey into communities throughout North America.
