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USA Hockey Foundation finalizes the purchase of Compuware Arena; name will be changed

MiHockey Staff
Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey
Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

The USA Hockey Foundation has finalized the purchase of Compuware Arena in Plymouth, effective today, and they will be taking over operations of the facility immediately, per a press release from the organization.

“It’s an exciting day for us,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of The USA Hockey Foundation and USA Hockey, in the release. “There are a lot of people to thank, too many to mention them all, but I’d particularly like to recognize Tony Rossi for all of his hard work on this effort and also commend our Board for their vision and support throughout the process. Obviously there is much work ahead, but we look forward to the future and all the opportunities having this facility will bring.”

The facility will now be called the USA Hockey Arena and it will serve as the new home for the U.S. National Team Development Program beginning next season.

“We’re grateful to the Ann Arbor Ice Cube, which has been the home of the NTDP since it was founded in 1996,” said Dave Ogrean, executive director of the USA Hockey Foundation and USA Hockey, in the release. “The good news is, that for fans in Ann Arbor, we will not be far away. Also, we very much look forward to welcoming the fans of the Plymouth Whalers and we’re confident they’ll enjoy the product they’ll see on the ice. Our two teams that make up the NTDP play in the USHL, which is the top junior hockey league in our country. Coupled with some of the college opponents that we’ll host, as well as international competition, our schedule of games and events will be very attractive to fans.”

The USA Hockey release says that operations of the drive-in movie theater, C.J.’s Restaurant and the arena pro shop will all remain in operation. The newly-named USA Hockey Arena will remain home to the Compuware youth hockey program, and the NTDP will begin moving in over the course of this summer.

UPDATE (Weds, April 1): Detroit Catholic Central athletic director Aaron Babicz confirmed to MiHockey that the school’s hockey program will continue to skate out of USA Hockey Arena, as well.

MORE: USA Hockey in the process of acquiring Compuware Arena | Plymouth Whalers announce sale, move to Flint