Islanders Morning Skate Updates Ahead of Meeting With Blue Jackets EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/scott-mayfield-new-york-islanders-injury-ankle-season-2023-24-contract] announced Thursday morning their plans for new outdoor rinks that will be built in Belmont Park. The two rinks, named The Park at UBS Arena, will allow for unique programming for youth hockey and Islanders’ game days. In a statement, New York Islanders Executive Vice President Nick Pizzutello said, “The Islanders are proud to be part of this season’s outdoor Stadium Series game and look forward to expanding on this great platform by bringing pond hockey to our backyard. We are excited to give all Islanders fans the opportunity to bring our deep-rooted pregame traditions to UBS Arena.” The project was announced in collaboration with Northwell, USA Hockey, and the New York Racing Association (NYRA). The Park will feature two sheets of ice across 155,800 square feet of space. One rink, the Northwell Pond, will host 4-on-4 hockey tournaments for youth and adult leagues. The second rink, the Isles Pond, will host Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, and Try Hockey for Free programs, which all parties view as imperative to grow the game. The Northwell Pond will be on the other side of the fence by the main entrance to the arena. Isles Pond will be located to the right when you enter Belmont Park from the Silver lot. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyNzQ1OTU4NDMyMjUyOTk2/1130_rinkrender2.png] In a statement, NYRA President and CEO David O’Rourke said, “This partnership between NYRA and the New York Islanders will advance that mission by providing our neighbors with easy and affordable access to ice skating and hockey in the Belmont Park backyard. We’re excited to help grow this new initiative and look forward to welcoming kids and families to The Park later this month.” Other offerings include public skating sessions, an Isles Lab Swag Shack for team merchandise, food trucks, and a beer garden. On non-game days, The Park will host watch parties as well. The Park at UBS Arena will open on December 27, prior to the Islanders’ matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shannon Hogan and Thomas Hickey will host MSGSN’s pregame coverage from the new space. More information on The Park at UBS Arena can be found at theparkatubsarena.com/ [https://www.theparkatubsarena.com/]
