Ice Capades! At the Rink

A state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture excellence in ice sports, while providing a new and unique entertainment venue for residents, DB Ice Rink gets our vote!

REPORTING BY

Rachel Sadler

PHOTOS COURTESY OF

DB Ice Rink

The ice-rink-in-a-mall formula has been proven to work in Hong Kong, and Discovery Bay’s latest attraction – an international-standard, indoor ice rink in DB Plaza – is no exception. Opened in May this year, DB Ice Rink is both a brand-new sports venue and a much-needed recreational hub – a welcome addition to the community.

In addition to the leisure-skating sessions, a series of special community-led events and themed nights have appealed directly to residents. There’s also the skating school, providing training for all levels in figure skating and ice hockey, plus a regular lineup of performances, competitions and ice-hockey tournaments – all delivered in line with the strictest social distancing protocols. “Residents have welcomed the opening of a new world-class ice rink in DB,” opens Raul Gomes Senior Manager at DB Ice Rink. “We’ve received an overwhelming response from people who want to enrol in our classes and skate in the public sessions.”

COMMUNITY EVENTS From the outset, DB Ice Rink has positioned itself as a community hub, somewhere for residents to build their skating skills and most importantly have fun. One of the first initiatives, back in May, was a series of free figure-skating performances put on by DB Ice Rink coaches to inspire everyone onto the ice. Residents-only skating nights have also proved extremely popular with DBers of all ages. “Being part of the DB community, we want to offer something special for DB residents,” says Raul. “Since September, we have organised skating nights for residents at a special discount.” The next residents only skate night is scheduled for December 10.

The first themed night at DB Ice Rink was held over Halloween weekend, and it was a huge success, complete with scary decorations, trick-or-treating staff and an Instagram-based best-dressed competition. The evening session on October 30 was a skate in the dark party, with glow paints provided.

“It was a fun night and we had a good attendance,” says Raul. “Participants dressed up as different characters to join the Spooky Halloween Skating Party and the kids were very excited with the face painting, trick or treating and giveaways. For the best-dressed competition on social media, we received many stunning photos and it was not easy for us to pick the winner.

“The positive response from residents encouraged us to continue this initiative and organise more themed nights in the future,” adds Raul. “This holiday season, we have decided to partner with Japanese cartoon character Monchhichi to present the first Monchhichi-themed ice rink in Hong Kong.” DB Ice Rink’s first Christmas programme is in fact packed with fun activities. There’s a Christmas Figure-Skating Show, performed by the skating school’s coaches and students (December 18 and 19); Busking on the Ice (December 24 and 25); a Meet with Santa Claus photo opportunity on December 25; a China Hockey Group Ice Hockey Tournament (December 27 to 30); and a Skating Countdown Party (December 31).

“At the Christmas Figure-Skating Show, our coaches will perform together with the students, showcasing the talents of our skating school,” says Raul. The show’s uptake has surpassed expectations with around 200 students expected to perform together with their coaches and special guest skaters from the Hong Kong National Team.

FIGURE-SKATING CLASSES

Diverse programmes, designed for figure skaters of all levels, are on offer at DB Ice Rink’s skating school – and Raul says the response from those looking to enrol has been fantastic, particularly among DB residents. “Currently, we have a waiting list of over 400 students waiting for the schedule to free up so that they can join our classes. Over 80% of our students are DB residents.” Harry Lee, a six-time Hong Kong champion figure skater (former world ranking 130), heads up a team of four professional ice-skating coaches at the skating school. Classes follow Ice Skating Institute Asia guidelines, taking skaters from beginner to competition level. Kids can start their training aged three, with coaches focusing on fun, technique and stamina. Semi-private, private and walk-in classes are available. “The semi-private classes are the most popular as many people like to learn skating with friends or family,” Raul says. “Many adults have enrolled in our skating classes and many are enrolled in our Christmas show too.”

ICE SPORTS

As part of its bid to support the development of ice sports in Hong Kong, DB Ice Rink has partnered with the China Hockey Group (CHG). Now in its third year, CHG is at the centre of growth driving ice hockey forward in the region. “Our goal is to create a world-class venue for international competitions, such as ice-hockey tournaments. Therefore, we decided to partner with China Hockey Group, which champions a number of hockey initiatives,” Raul explains. “We are excited that the CIHL Division 1 League, Division 2 League and Women’s League will be held at DB Ice Rink next season. We will be hosting the CIHL finals in April 2022, and the Greater Bay Championship in May 2022.” CHG now provides training programmes at DB Ice Rink, with the aim to nurture young talent and prepare players to compete at a high level. “China Hockey Group’s Junior Tiger programme offers various training sessions, leagues, camps and tournaments throughout the season, catering to children of all ages and abilities,” says Raul. DB Ice Rink is now also home to non-profit community based ice-hockey team the DBees, who previously had to commute to Kowloon to train.

“In June, as part of our commitment to develop local ice hockey talent, we offered four, free sessions to the DBees to help them recruit new members,” Raul says. “After the four sessions their membership quadrupled, and they are now training here twice a week. “The state-of-the-art facilities offered by DB Ice Rink create an inclusive environment for players to learn and develop their skills and potential,” adds Raul. “DBees’ Founder Stuart Winchester is a highly respected coach. He is committed to developing serious talent in DB.” Children as young as four can join the DBees, and young players compete in CHG’s Junior Tiger programme. While the majority of the DBees players are aged five to 14, juniors transition into the DBees’ adult league once they turn 18. In November, the DB Curling Club also started practicing at DB Ice Rink, and Raul is expecting more collaboration with the team in the future. Looking ahead to 2022, Raul says nurturing young talent will remain a top priority, as will providing an exciting programme of recreational activities for both residents and visitors. “We will continue to organise different themed nights, professional figure-skating contests, and local and international ice-hockey tournaments,” he says. “We are working with different partners and wish to bring more sport-related events to DB Ice Rink next year.

DB Ice Rink is open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 10pm at the weekends. To find out more, visit

www.dbicerink.com

, and follow @db.icerink on FB/ IG