Ice Den to add locker rooms

Rink rats can expect a bit more elbow room next season at the Stumptown Ice Den. Two new locker rooms are set to be constructed at the city facility thanks in part to an anonymous $50,000 grant secured by the Glacier Hockey Association.

Each room will be 400 square feet with all the amenities, including showers.

“This greatly adds to our ability to handle more teams,” said Whitefish Parks and Recreation Director Karl Cozad. “It’s a tremendous benefit.”

“We are fortunate to have a very active youth hockey organization who has stepped forward and has secured the necessary financial resources.”

A recent spike in participation in womens hockey has also resulted in ice rinks being required to provide specific locker rooms designated for womens teams. The existing locker rooms do not meet USA Hockey requirements for youth hockey tournaments and leagues that involve female hockey teams and players.

“This project came about on need,” GHA president Murray Craven said. “We’ve had good growth over last 10 years as we built the facility. In past seasons we’ve grown our programs in youth and adult hockey. Then the explosion of girls hockey showed an acute need for these locker rooms. Girls were changing in the hallway this season and that’s not acceptable. “

About 90 percent of the use at the Ice Den comes from hockey programs.

The city will chip in $7,500 for new flooring in the locker rooms. Other funds will come from individuals, the Iron Horse Foundation and the Whitefish Sports Facility Foundation.

“This partnership between the city and the Glacier Hockey Association is another example of how the public/private relationship is vital to enhancing the quality of life here in Whitefish,” Cozad said.

“I’m constantly impressed and amazed with how people come forward giving their time, financial resources and talents.”

The Ice Den will reopen for skating Aug. 31. Next season’s closing date is set for April 6.