Great news! Royal Ice Center is bringing back noon adult pond hockey!

Starting March 15th we will have noon adult pond hockey on Mondays and Wednesdays. More times will be added as our schedule permits.

A few things you should know before coming in to play:

• Cloth or surgical-style facemasks are required at all times, both on and off the ice and in the dressing rooms and lobby;
• Players will maintain social distancing on the benches and in dressing rooms;
• Players will avoid clustering on the ice, including jumping into corner scrums and setting up stationary screens;
• Full protective gear is required, including half shield or full face cage;
• Only two spectators are permitted per participant and must wear a mask and maintain social distancing;
• Sign up will start half an hour before the game;
• Dressing rooms will open 15 minutes before game time and will close 15 after the game;
• Showers are not currently available as per MOA Emergency Order 19, Attachment E.

The current Emergency Order and associated Attachments are available here.

You can always check our pond hockey schedule online at omalleysports.com or by clicking here.

Royal Business Systems, an Alaska-based printer, copier, and office equipment supplier, has acquired the naming rights to the O’Malley Ice Center. The facility is now the Royal Business Systems Ice Center.

Royal Business Systems’ sponsorship at the O’Malley Sports Complex is part of a cooperative endeavor by each organization to add value through partnership, collaboration, and service to the local active sports community. This new agreement between Royal Business Systems and the O’Malley Sports Complex reflects a shared vision of continued growth and improved quality of life for all Alaskans.

Royal Business Systems is an Alaska-based company that has been in business for three decades. They specialize in the sales, leasing, and servicing of printing and office equipment for businesses across the state. Royal Business Systems provides multiple document printing solutions, including printers and copiers from companies such as HP, Kyocera, Xerox, Konica Minolta, and Canon.

O’Malley Ice and Sports Center operates two athletic facilities in South Anchorage. One facility houses two NHL sized ice rinks, while the other has four multipurpose courts and an indoor trampoline park. O’Malley Ice and Sports Center is home to more than 100 local youth and adult athletic teams, including hockey, basketball, volleyball, and roller derby teams.

“Working together as a team adds value for our community, our customers, and our employees. We believe in a bright future for Alaska,” said David Eibeck, founder of Royal Business Systems, reflecting his confidence that Alaska’s economy will grow in the coming months.

If you would like to participate in this vital pro-Alaska business marketing opportunity contact Allen Maltbie, Marketing Coordinator at O’Malley Sports Complex at (907) 331-7247 or allen@omalleysports.com.

USA Hockey President Jim Smith sent this letter to USA Hockey members regarding COVID-19, reducing the risk of contracting the virus, and what we can do to help slow the spread while still enjoying sports.

The Anchorage hockey community has, until recently, been relatively unaffected by COVID-19. Several players participating at local arenas have recently tested positive for COVID-19 after participating in local tournaments. The virus has entered our circle, so to speak. 

O’Malley Ice & Sports Center put a COVID Mitigation Plan in place when we reopened in May, and that plan has been updated regularly in response to new information about the virus and new developments within the community. A copy of our most recently revised COVID Mitigation Plan can be found below.

While we do have ongoing mitigation procedures in place to help combat the spread of virus we need the help and cooperation of our patrons if we are to effectively slow the spread of the virus and remain open in the coming weeks and months.

We ask all those who enter our facilities to:

• Wear masks or face coverings;
• Sign the guest book in the lobby when entering the building;
• Maintain social distance (6 feet in common areas, 10 feet on the ice and courts);
• Maintain social distance in locker rooms or dress at home and change into skates in the lobby;
• Not participate in post-game handshakes as per USA Hockey mandates;
• Comply with dressing room schedule and vacate within 20 minutes of game time to allow our staff time to clean for the next users;
• Obey posted boundaries (closed areas and employee-only areas);
• Stay home if you or anyone you’ve had close contact with is symptomatic or has had a positive COVID-19 test.

Starting October 8, 2020, dressing rooms will be closed to youth participants age 18 and under. Youth participants will dress at home and change into skates in the seats provided in the lobby.

Some other areas of the facility are closed to users until further notice. Most notable among these is the running track. Other closed areas will be marked as off limits.

We ask for your patience and cooperation to help us stay open. We also appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these unusual times.

A copy of our COVID Mitigation Plan is posted on the bulletin board in the entry to both buildings and is included below. If you have any questions about current policy feel free to as any of our staff.

O’Malley Ice Center has partnered with LiveBarn to give our clientèle the ability to watch their friends and family play even when they can’t make it to the rink. We’re the first ice venue in Alaska to provide this service.

LiveBarn is an online streaming service that specializes in athletic venues. Their service allows people to view live and on-demand events from O’Malley Ice Center and other affiliate facilities from anywhere in the world.

LiveBarn subscribers can view live and on-demand games from any LiveBarn affiliate facility. Games can be streamed live or watched on-demand for up to 30 days. Users can also download and save complete games and practices, and create highlight clips to share online. Players and coaches can use LiveBarn to review game and practice footage to improve their game or see what their competition looks like. Figure skaters can watch their practice sessions and see why that landing didn’t stick.

Use the promo code 5487-1096 at checkout and receive 10% off your LiveBarn subscription. Current subscribers may also use the promo code for a 10% discount. Go to LiveBarn.com or click the image below to subscribe. Enter the promo code at checkout for your discount.

For more information on LiveBarn, visit livebarn.com. Download the LiveBarn iOS App for easiest mobile viewing on Apple devices (Android App coming soon).

Follow LiveBarn on Twitter (@LiveBarn), Facebook (@LiveBarnSports), Instagram (@LiveBarnSports) and YouTube (@LiveBarn).