Hockey Rinks that have disappeared over the years across the Delaware Valley.
The rinks roots began as what was formerly known as Lafayette Recreation Center in 1961. In 1979 the rink changed hands to the YMCA of Upper Merion and was aptly named the YMCA recreation center and swim club. The club obviously included a skating rink but after almost 20 years decided to close it’s doors somewhere around 1987, (uncertain of the exact date.) In 1988 Paul Saylor and investors decided to reopen the rink and name it “Viking Ice Arena.” The rink’s re-launch was plagued with problems in the fall of 1989. The ice constantly had freezing problems and was routinely closed until November of 1989. This was one of the more unique venues to play at in the Delaware Valley; it was huge, and looked and felt very much like a college-playing atmosphere. It also featured something no other rink around southeastern PA had; a mini rink behind the full playing surface. Other than it’s unique differences, the ice itself was not popular as it was considered “soft, and slow” by many. The rink closed in 2013.
The photos are all screenshots from 1990, 1991, and 1992
