The New Home of The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins

If I remember correctly, the last time I set foot on the ice at the former Ice-A-Rama rink in Wilkes-Barre was 1998. Shortly thereafter, the city of Wilkes-Barre closed the ice rink. I love skating (ice and roller) and have been doing so ever since I was a kid. In fact, my friend Stacy and I took figure skating lessons for ice skating and roller skating. If anything, we learned how to waltz on skates, and it's terrific exercise.

Today, I had the pleasure of getting a glimpse of The Coal Street Complex, which is now home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins organization. This new facility is topnotch and will be a great asset to the community. Who would have known that the former Ice-A-Rama would now be home to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins ice hockey team?

As a freelance writer, I come across many interesting assignments. When I was asked to write an article about the Penguins, I jumped at the chance. I love ice hockey, and I wanted to learn more about the Penguins' new home.

Brian Coe, Vice President of Operations, was kind enough to provide me with a firsthand look at the inner workings of the facility.

Here's a look at the new reception area. 

 ~The logo in the reception area~

The photos on this wall were sent over from the Pittsburgh Penguins.Although I toured the locker room and weight room, I didn't get any pictures because they're still doing some work on those areas. Sorry, ladies.

Here's my favorite part of today's tour: the ice rink. It looks a lot like it used to, but it's much, much nicer. It's time to dust off my ice skates and pick up a skating schedule.

For those who remember that old puzzle-piece floor before skating onto the ice, check out this nice, new floor.

Jason Jarecki, General Manager, informed me that the public will now be able to watch the Penguins when they're on the ice practicing. How exciting!

 ~The new and improved snack bar area~

The snack bar will be up and running before you know it.

~Some comfy seats near the snack bar area~

~Another lounge area with a fireplace near the snack bar area~

This new ice rink will have something for everyone ranging from ice hockey, figure skating, public skating sessions, curling, and exercise on ice by the name of Icersize. They also have plenty of space for birthday parties.Please visit The Coal Street Complex for more information.

I'd like to thank Brian and Jason for taking the time to provide me with a glimpse of what this new facility has to offer. Go Pens!

Enough blogging for now. I have a deadline to meet.