Los Angeles Kings, ASEC to operate hockey rink in Valencia

The Los Angeles Kings and American Sports Entertainment Company, ASEC, have been selected to operate the former “Ice Station” hockey rink in Valencia. The City of Santa Clarita purchased the rink in Fall-2020, and the facility is currently undergoing renovations on the building’s safety, systematic operations and aesthetics.

ASEC was founded in 2006 and is the largest owner/operator of ice skating and indoor sports facilities in the United States. ASEC owns and/or operates more than 20 facilities, including the Toyota Sports Performance Center in El Segundo, which is home to the LA Kings.

The Kings and ASEC have a long-standing relationship, that dates back to Luc Robitaille and Brad Berman working together when Robitaille played with the Kings in the 1990’s. More on that story HERE.

Back in October, when the linked story above ran, Berman and Robitaille indicated that their two organizations had a proposal submitted to take over the Ice Station. Today, the proposal becomes a reality.

Quotes from Robitaille, Berman and the Mayor of Santa Clarita, Bill Miranda, below.

Luc Robitaille, President, LA Kings
The Santa Clarita community has a great tradition of supporting hockey and all ice sports and today’s announcement is the next critical step to continue and expand upon that mission. ASEC and the LA Kings are committed to playing a key role in the next chapter of growing the game of hockey in particular, as well as inspiring the next generation of athletes in our community.

Brad Berman, President, ASEC
We are excited for the opportunity to expand our relationship with the Kings and execute the City of Santa Clarita’s strategic vision for this important community asset. We will work tirelessly to enhance all aspects of the customer experience, integrate operating efficiencies and ensure the long-term sustainability of the City’s ice and entertainment center.

Bill Miranda, Mayor of Santa Clarita
We are thrilled to have ASEC and the LA Kings managing our ice facility. The name recognition, experience and expertise will ensure a top-notch operation that our local youth hockey clubs, figure skating teams, curling competitors and recreational skaters will all enjoy once the doors reopen. We look forward to announcing the new facility name and opening date in the coming weeks – and look forward to welcoming the community back to this Santa Clarita landmark.

Since being acquired by the city, the ice rink has undergone improvements to the facility itself, as well as technology system upgrades and interior and exterior branding. Renovations have included repairs to the facility’s roof and cooling system, restored skate surfaces, plumbing fixture upgrades, fire alarm updates and more. Upgraded lighting and sound equipment will enhance the experience for ice rink users, while high-speed public internet access has also been added.

Renovations are anticipated to be completed in March, and a grand reopening date will be announced when the facility is able to open under applicable public health orders.