It's been five years since Reno Ice opened in South Reno, and the rink threw a party on Sunday to celebrate.
Hockey players say they're glad to keep playing in Reno, while Reno Ice is ecstatic at the growth of its community.
"We just wanted to do something that like caters to everybody who has believed in us," said Mallary Precore, operations manager for Reno Ice.
Precore grew up in Michigan with a love for hockey. She moved to reno three years ago, and she's grateful for how much the hockey community has grown since then.
"I can't believe that I live in a place where i didn't even know hockey existed or figure skating," she said. "From the point that I've been here, for three years, and watching how much it's grown, even in front of me, and watching the kids grow and families, and we have so many programs."
Jason Aceves said he helped lay the foundation and ice for the arena, and now he helps organize Reno Veteran Hockey and drives the Zamboni. He said Reno Ice gave the Biggest Little City a chance to prove it's a hockey town.
"I've been at other ice rinks where it's just an ice rink," he said, "but Reno Ice really is a community within our community."
From student-athletes to semi-pros, hockey players said they're happy to build community and continue their careers right here in reno.
"I actually moved here from Dallas about a year after the rink opened. i strategically moved to south reno since I knew the rink was in this area. i live five minutes away," said Matt Robinson, who plays for the semi-pro Reno Ice Raiders.
"I never thought I'd be able to play college hockey or even club or otherwise. So, I'm glad I got the opportunity to have it," said Luke Sankovich with Nevada Men's Hockey Club.
Precore said the five-year party is a way to give back to everyone who supports reno ice.
"We wouldn't be here without the sponsors, the donors and all the families that have believed in us from the beginning," she said.
Reno Ice is open Monday to Sunday from 5 a.m. to midnight.
