What you see now, might be an empty arena, but don't let the image fool you. 


As behind the scenes, the George S. De Arment Ice Arena at the Meadville Area Recreation Complex is the hub of new energy.

And it starts with Rink Director, Aaron Rekich.

He's been on the job for just two months and is already drumming up ways to bring people in.

Including the revival of the learn-to-skate, and ice skating programs.

"We're all about community here." Rekich said

Rekich came to Meadville after four years on the job with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he worked with trainers and helped with other team needs.

And he's bringing the connection with him to the marc through the team's "Little Penguin’s” hockey clinic.

All of this, in addition to hosting youth and high school hockey, and a continued favorite, curling.

 "We’re reaching out to a wider group of people that can be engaged here."  Board Chair for the Meadville Area Rec Authority

Aaron’s addition to the team is part of an ongoing effort by the MARC to expand on volunteers and programs. The hope is to take the building from something you can't use on a hot day, into a year-round building, capable of hosting events like roller hockey and heck, showing a movie or two, and much more.

 "There's plenty of things to do here, and plenty of things for the community to get involved with." Rekich said

Rekich says they hope to install the ice back into the rink around mid-September. To keep up to date with summer and future events at the rink, you can visit the rink website