Ocean Ice Palace (File Photo)
Brick school officials said at a meeting of the Board of Education Thursday night that they are continuing to search for the best prices for the usage of a hockey rink for the upcoming winter sports season, but no contract has been awarded,
Interim Superintendent Thomas Gialanella recommended the board reject bids for ice time at Thursday’s meeting due to financial considerations. The lack of home ice has elicited concerns from a number of parents who have recently written letters to the district, school officials acknowledged at the meeting.
The high school hockey teams have traditionally contracted with Ocean Ice Palace on Chambers Bridge Road for use of the rink for practices and games. One of the most popular sports in Brick with years of tradition, some parents have told Shorebeat that they do not want to see hockey be based at an out-of-town location.
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“We have a meeting with the parent groups next week,” said Gialanella. “We’re going to try and balance what the parents want and what is fair to the taxpayers of Brick Township.”
Andrew Barten, a representative from Ocean Ice Palace, said at the meeting that he is hopeful his facility will continue to house high school ice hockey in Brick. Ocean Ice Palace also hosts fundraising events and gives back to the community, he added.
“We’re very proud to have the township at our facility,” said Barten. “I do understand that this season we do have some new competition in the market. We’re willing to talk to the board, we’re willing to talk to the parent’s club … to see how we can complete the deal.”
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