Beloved Ice Center Faces Closure, Sparking Community Outcry

For nearly three decades, the L.A. Kings Valley Ice Center in Panorama City has been a cornerstone of the San Fernando Valley’s youth hockey community. Now, the future of the facility is uncertain as plans move forward to demolish its main ice rink.

Demolition Plans and Impact on Players

The Valley Ice Center’s owner, Scott Floman, announced that the main rink will be replaced with a medical facility for seniors. This change will leave athletes with access only to a smaller, non-regulation rink. The demolition work is scheduled to begin on June 1st, also impacting the facility’s lobby and pro shop.

“It’s Their Community” – Parents Voice Concerns

Local parents are expressing heartbreak over the potential loss of the rink. Abbey Wall, registrar for the California Heat youth hockey team and a mother of two players, shared, “My kids are at the rink four to seven days a week… Practices, games, training, it’s where they’ve grown up. It’s their community.” Larry Tobin, another parent, described his 11-year-old son’s devastation, saying he “made friends there, looked forward to going, and improved so much.”

California Heat Faces Uncertain Future

Rink Requirements and Competitive Play

The demolition poses a significant challenge for the California Heat, one of the region’s largest youth hockey programs, founded in 1992. Club President Michael Santiago explained that a regulation-size rink is essential for hosting games and remaining competitive within the Southern California Amateur Hockey Assn. Without it, “our teams can’t compete,” and the program may be “forced to downsize.”

Limited Alternatives and Capacity Issues

Finding a new home rink is proving difficult, as most facilities in Los Angeles County are already operating at full capacity. Wall noted, “A lot of these rinks are bursting at the seams… We’re talking about 200 players looking for a home, and there just isn’t space.” The club is exploring options, including a potential move to a rink currently under development in Reseda.

Rising Costs and New Competition

Scott Floman cited rising costs, including leasing and utilities, as contributing factors to the decision. He also mentioned the planned opening of a competing ice facility in the Valley as a consideration. Floman assured that the smaller rink will remain open for at least 15 more years, and “everything except for our travel program will continue.”

Community Mobilizes to Save the Rink

A petition launched by the California Heat is gaining momentum, highlighting the rink’s importance as a vital community resource. Supporters emphasize the rink’s role in fostering friendships, developing skills, and providing a sense of belonging. Alexander Dunn, owner and director of the California Hockey Academy, wrote, “This place isn’t just ice and boards. It’s where I made lifelong friends… and cheered as they grew into strong, confident adults.” Families are hoping for a change in outcome as the planned remodel date of June 2026 approaches.