Winter Olympic Ice Inspiration

Rebecca Varidel
27th Mar 2018

Sydney's Macquarie Ice Rink has completed its first major "ice-lift" resurfacing in almost 40 years.

Complete with new layers of professional-grade ice and ice hockey lines - Macquarie Ice Rink is now set, smooth and ready for the anticipated influx of ice-sport enthusiasts inspired by the recent Winter Olympic Games.

The smooth, new surface and ice hockey lines are the final touch on a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the only Olympic size skating rink within a shopping centre in the Oceania region.

The resurfacing process involved closing the rink for 10 days in December to first melt the 60m x 30m ice surface and adjusting pipes before starting to pour, freeze and set layers of new ice. The Sydney Bears and Sydney Ice Dogs ice hockey teams were consulted for the new professional-grade ice hockey lines now embedded under the top layer of smooth new ice.

Macquarie Ice Rink Skating Director, Monica MacDonald, is a former ice dancer who competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Her son, Brendan Kerry is a two time Olympian who recently competed in Pyeongchang.

"We train beginners in our Learn to Skate program through to elite athletes. The new ice surface has made a positive difference to everyone," she says.

The popular ice hockey season opens at Macquarie Ice Rink from April 21. Skate lessons and general public skating sessions are available every day, including school holidays. Birthday parties cater for skaters of various ages, and registrations can be done online or by contacting Macquarie Ice Rink on (+61 2) 9888 1100.

www.macquarieicerink.com.au