Several members of the Ice Vault Arena staff

“Working closely with Floyd Hall Arena has provided a healthy rivalry rooted not in animosity but in mutual respect.” — Jimmy Hunt

Vault Arena Vice President of Hockey Operations

MUTUAL GOALS

One of the new arenas that was built, just minutes from Floyd Hall Arena, is the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, N.J. With the close proximity of the two arenas, inevitably competition for customers would develop. From day one, though, other than a few logical switches like a high school changing arenas because it was basically next door to Ice Vault Arena, there has rarely been a conflict or “theft” of a customer. Yes, some figure skaters and adult league teams went searching for better ice times or better ice prices, but overall there was minimal switching. By the fall of Ice Vault’s second year, Floyd Hall Arena and Ice Vault were working together on a middle school league, cooperating on ways to grow skating and hockey in New Jersey and eventually co-hosting USA Hockey Nationals. We have been able to work

together, cooperate and prosper, because we both have the same goals: to grow the sports of ice hockey and skating, and to have the best hockey and skating programs in the area. “Working closely with Floyd Hall Arena has provided a healthy

rivalry rooted not in animosity but in mutual respect,” says Ice Vault Arena Vice President of Hockey Operations Jimmy Hunt. “Parents and players have seen ownership and management work side by side on projects that have provided both sets of customers enjoyable experiences. I find that this type of cooperative leadership sets a positive tone rooted in a sense of trust and familiarity that trickles down to the customers.” Each arena has its own way of building and growing. Ice Vault

leans toward the foundation of USA Hockey by having strong high quality travel programs and the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills Program. Ice Vault has revolutionized how travel hockey

8

ISI EDGE WINTER 2016