MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Hockey Association has learned its 2023-24 season will start at the Ice Arena in White Park.
Major renovation plans were put on hold earlier this year following debate over cost and design.
BOPARC Executive Director Melissa Wiles said there are several variables and equipment issues that could arise but the plan is to open the Morgantown Ice Arena in late summer.
“We do intend as long as all mechanical systems are working to open for ice on August 22,” Wiles said. “That is five days later than last year. We don’t ever communicate our ending date this time of year.”
Morgantown Hockey Association President Frank Oliverio said his next move is to notify families in the league and finalize the budget now that ice is in place for the season. Oliverio said he’s also sharing the schedule with WVU Hockey and the Morgantown Curling Club.
“I’m really pleased with the result which is we should be opening on or about the usual time as in years past,” Oliverio said.
The families have a date to shoot for so vacations and summer activities can be planned. The association was struggling with developing a budget and whether or not to reserve ice on their own without knowing the proposed start date of the season and the status of the facility in White Park.
“We realize some of this is fluid and we’re not trying to hold someone to a certain day,” Oliverio said. “But, it is good to know that it’s going to be mid-August as opposed to- who knows when?”
The process of establishing a temporary ice rink or a facility at Mylan Park has been ongoing for the last few months. Oliverio said that group has been touring facilities in the region and talking with experts about what would be needed for a new facility. That plan is still under development and is progressing.
“If that happens and Mylan Park has a sheet of ice and the Morgantown community has a sheet of ice I think it’s good for everyone,” Oliverio said. “It’s good not only for the competitive leagues, but it’ll be more time for people to do public skates.”