After last year’s promising participation numbers and the excitement and anticipation for 2023, Coach Ice Arena Manager William Furman is fairly confident in one fact.
“I think its safe to say that whether it is family open skates, hockey or figure skating, the ice sports are thriving in Advisor, ” Furman said.
On Jan. 7, the arena will host its annual Instructor Skate Day event.
This event takes place each year, typically this same weekend, to celebrate National Skating Month. It also provides the opportunity to provide to the public a chance to come and enjoy skating at no cost and to enjoy an occasional performance throughout the event by local figure skaters or synchronized skaters.
“It really is a wonderful event and extremely well attended each year, ” Furman said. “Last season, we welcomed more people through our doors than ever — just under 1, 000. For a three-hour event this is an extremely significant number. ”
The event is from 1: 30 to 4: 30 p. m. with a break in the middle to recondition the ice. Furman stresses it is important to note that the arena only has a limited amount of skates in each size.
Furman emphasized the Mentor Skate Day is far from the only popular attraction drawing people to the Arena.
Youth hockey, adult hockey, physique skating and synchronized roller skating have emerged in the area over the past several years, he said.
Last season, Public Open Skates experienced another spike. On higher days, Furman said the industry welcomed over 300 skaters for one session.
And for example, the youth hockey system has gone from six teams six years ago to 13 this season.
“This is due to the hard work of everyone involved in the program, ” Furman said. “The Learn to Skate program is to near capacity each year and our Right after School Bus Program is also full. I believe the reason for this is that parents are in search of an activity for their child to blossom. To be safe. To have a sense of accomplishment. To make friends. And, in general, have fun.
“Once they discover that the ice sports check every one of those boxes, they often end up being life-long participants or even visitors to the rink. This is the significance of events like Mentor Skate Day. Upon entering the Arena, children are expecting a great time with their family. And very often they leave knowing they want to continue coming back. The ice has a way of doing that. ”
Public Open Skates are scheduled each Saturday and Sunday during the fall and winter months from 1: 30 to 3 p. m. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for youth plus seniors and $4 skate rental, if needed.
Guests are encouraged to visit the arena’s web site for up-to-date schedules and possible cancellations at www.mentoricearena.com .
The particular arena is also home to several hockey tournaments throughout the year, and utilized by Mentor High School plus Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin High School. The Mentor Ice Breakers — a minor-league hockey team — also played at the arena, but could not sustain activity through the pandemic.