BY Christian Warren Freed
When you say Holly Springs, no one stops to think ice sports. At least they shouldn’t. Seriously. I’ve been down in this neck of the woods for almost a quarter century and can’t recall the last real winter we’ve had. Now, caveat that with me having come from western New York and you’ll understand. Seeing on the news, and in the pages of our very own magazine, that our quiet little town was about to be the proud owners of a massive ice sports and school complex was both shocking and pleasant.
As a young soldier down at Fort Bragg I remember going to the Carolina Hurricanes’ inaugural season here in Raleigh. None of the locals (born and raised) had a clue. They filed into the stadium in their dockers and collared shirts while the Philly Fliers fans were tearing up the parking lot, cursing and getting into fights. I guess it took winning the Stanley Cup for someone to cock their head and say, ‘you know…’
And here we are.
None of this does much to endear the idea of ice sports and winter into the hearts and minds of North Carolinians. Mention winter and images of cars on fire on Glenwood Avenue leap to mind. Schools shut down for a week, before the first flake hits the ground. Face it, we’re just not equipped to enjoy winter the way those of us from the far north did. I don’t recall ever having a snow day, though we did get the first day of buck season off.
While it might not feel right, having Calvert Ice Sports come to town is going to change all that. Youth hockey in the area is already growing. So why not here? Raleigh has a curling center. Why can’t Holly Springs have ice skating, maybe even competitive speed skating? Back in August when Mayor Mayefskie announced Calvert Ice had decided to call our town home, it opened a new realm of possibilities, fun and entertainment, and revenue.
Now, the traditionalists say the town has grown too fast over the past twenty years. To a degree they’re right, but we are way past that now. Nestled in the Highway 55 and 540 area, Calvert Ice Sports is set to be a 320,000-square-foot indoor training facility with multiple hockey arenas, figure skating rinks, classrooms, and more.
Like everything else in town, Calvert Ice Sports was carefully planned and cultivated before being given the green light. Not only does this provide us with the opportunity to expand while developing the town’s entertainment value, but it is also a chance to show off Holly Springs to the world.
It is anticipated that competitions, tournaments, and an academic setting will bring in a new age for the town of Holly Springs. That’s all well and fine, but what about the details? Construction is blossoming throughout the area around every corner, for one thing. With so much going on, Calvert Ice Sports isn’t scheduled to open until mid-2024.
What is Calvert Ice Sports? From their website:
Calvert Ice Sports is committed to superior levels of quality in all service areas and assets including facilities and equipment, training and development programs, coaching and conditioning, personalized service, and operations.
Investment. Excellence. Reputation.
These are the words Calvert Ice Sports has built their legacy on. New generations of our youth now have other options aside from the traditional baseball or basketball. Tomorrow’s kids can develop their ice skills and, with enough hard work, might go on to collegiate or professional teams. We already have two Major League Baseball players, why not an NHL or Olympic speed skater?
Mayor Mayefskie is all for it. He was quoted back in August saying: “This is going to be one of those premier attractions that draws ice sports fans and high-level athletes from across the nation to Holly Springs. Working with Calvert Ice Sports to bring this amazing amenity to our town has been a pleasure and we can’t wait to see their vision become reality. I’ll be lacing up my skates!”
Local excitement is one thing. Professional demeanor is another. Calvert Ice is bringing a cadre of dedicated men and women to oversee this project, through development and into the future.
Rick Bandy, with Calvert Ice told reporters, “We’re excited to take two very important steps forward in bringing the vision of Calvert Ice to life. We’re thrilled to increase the draw for young athletes regionally, nationally and soon, internationally to the southeast and specifically, the Triangle.”
The incoming head of the facility school says the campus will have an embedded boarding day school complete with temporary housing. (Think Salamanders with a place to sleep.) Calvert Ice will run their prep school for kids in grades 9-12 designed to bring student success in and beyond their sport. It is the hope of all involved that this new campus would bring people from across the country and, once it takes off and has a reputation, the world. Calvert’s targeted approach centers around three areas: athletic ability, academic foundation, and character development.
Calvert Ice seeks to turn junior athletes, novices, and those who have an interest into world-class athletes. Once complete, this will be a one-of-a-kind facility with near unlimited potential. Putting people first is a pillar of their business model, and I personally can’t wait to see what the future looks like.
Excitement is buzzing on all levels. Poking around, I found more residents eager to strap on the skates than not. Tell me that’s not a good thing. Sports are all well and fine, but what exactly is Calvert Ice bringing to their state-of-the-art facility? Short answer: plenty.
After the numerous skating rinks, locker rooms, and classrooms, Calvert Ice will boast:
Farm-fresh canteen
Cocktail and wine bar
Coffee bar and smoothie station
Sports gear store
Skate rental and repair shop
Multi-sport simulator center
And so much more.
Throw in a convenient location just minutes from downtown or US-1 heading to Raleigh, and our little town is set to reap the benefits for years to come. By investing in our youth, we are ensuring continued success and giving our town some much needed alternatives to athletics while still maintaining the small-town feel and charm so many of us fell in love with years ago.
The year 2024 is a long way off. Who knows what will happen between now and then? We’ve already endured a pandemic, inflation I haven’t seen since I was a child sitting in lines for gas back in the 1970s, riots, recessions, cultural revolutions, and more. Holly Springs has stood strong against the storm and now braces for the entertainment and athletic potential Calvert Ice Sports offers.
Stay up to date with the latest news, developments and more:
Twitter: @CalvertIce
Website: https://calverticesports.com/
Town of Holly Springs Website: https://www.hollyspringsnc.us/1887/20-DP-06
