The story of Hollydell Ice Skating Rink at 150 Holly Dell Dr, Sewell, NJ, is one of transformation and adaptation.
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Skaters on Ice
The Early Years: Skater's Choice and its Various Incarnations
Skater’s Choice was the first named facility at 150 Holly Dell Drive, Sewell, New Jersey. Over time, it evolved through many names. It became Choice Arena, even Skater's Choice Arena (according to one source), and then more commonly known as Choice Inline Arena, and finally Choice Sports Arena. Interestingly, Google Maps even listed it as South Jersey Sports Arena/Complex in 2013.
The architecture of the building had a distinct 1980s-1990s look. The main arena part appeared warehouse-like with cinderblocks. The front part, where the basketball court/smaller rink was located, featured a flatter gabled roof, resembling a rink or movie theater frontage.
The signage also evolved with each name change:
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- Skater’s Choice: Signage and logo unknown.
- Choice Arena: Signage look unknown.
- Choice Inline Arena: Red with waves on one side (front) with the main doors on the side front. The signage background was Black with red in its logo.
- Choice Sports Arena: Signage look unknown.
- South Jersey Sports Arena/Complex: Vibrant Red with a simple logo.
Ice Hockey Rink Diagram
The Shift to Ice: Hollydell North
Eventually, the facility transitioned from roller skating to ice and became Hollydell North. This transformation marked the end of the roller rink at the former Skater's Choice.
According to Yelp reviewer Jon in 2015:
"Unfortunately, not as many kids want to fall on their butt for hours at a time while skating in a circle so Skater's Choice - as it used to be known - had to evolve. It is now called Choice Inline Arena. The space that used to be the roller rink now houses a basketball/futsal court on one end and the home of Jersey Pride Cheer and Tumble on the other end. Sharing the entrance is what is called Court 3 - which is a full-sized roller hockey rink complete with locker rooms and everything."
The smaller rink inside the facility was repurposed for basketball and Futsal, and also used by a Cheerleaders squad.
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Anti-Monopoly Concerns
The fact that Hollydell North, an ice rink, is located merely two blocks away from Hollydell Arena raises concerns about potential anti-monopoly violations. Both facilities are under the same management, which some argue could stifle competition and limit options for skaters.
This situation is akin to instances where mergers between competing businesses, such as drug stores or supermarkets, have led to closures or spin-offs to comply with anti-monopoly laws. Examples include the Eckerd and Rite Aid and CVS Heath merger, and the Tops and Price Chopper merger.
The current state of the facility shows the smaller rink set up for cheerleading team practice and performance. The parking lot is limited and in need of expansion, and the roof requires repairs.
Ice Hockey Equipment
The Rise of Youth Hockey in South Jersey
The growth of youth hockey in South Jersey has been significant, with several active ice rinks and a substantial number of players participating in various programs. Guy Gaudreau, who helped open Hollydell Ice Arena in 1992, noted the change since the 1980s.
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Today, there are five active ice rinks in South Jersey, and a couple that have come and gone since Hollydell opened in June 1992. The five local rinks combined have about 2,300 players in their youth programs, a growth rate that ranges between 50 and 100 percent.
The success of players like Bobby Ryan and John Gaudreau has further fueled interest in hockey in the region. Gaudreau spent three years at Gloucester Catholic High School and played for Team Comcast, before moving on to the United States Hockey League and later Boston College.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the growth of hockey in South Jersey, challenges remain. The high cost of equipment and ice time can be a barrier for some families. Additionally, proximity bylaws can limit the establishment of new teams and programs.
However, opportunities exist for further growth and development. Organizations like the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation provide support to inner-city kids, and the presence of former Flyers in the area has helped build a fan base and spark interest in the sport.