Dix Hills Ice Rink Celebrates Its Grand Re-opening

The Dix Hills Ice Rink officially unveiled its newest slab of ice Thursday night in a ceremony that including a former Olympic skater, a former Islander and all the officials with Huntington Town.

Among the highlights of the opening ceremonies was a skating performance from former United State Olympic figure skater Emily Hughes, and a speech from former New York Islanders star Bobby Nystrom, who said, "It's a great night for hockey."

Following the performance of Hughes, a group of 75 girls performed on ice — one at a time — in a special holiday performance.

Huntington Supervisor Frank Petrone opened the ceremony by thanking local residents for their patience over the past few years as work was completed on the new rink. "This will be the premiere ice skating venue on Long Island," he said.

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson said he remembered skating outside in the cold when the Dix Hills Ice Rink was an outdoor rink. Councilwoman Susan Berland added that as a hockey mom, she has spent many a cold day and night inside the rink, watching her son play.

Other highlights included the presentation of the colors by VFW Elwood/Commack Post #9263; singing of the National Anthem by the West Hollow Middle School's Sweet 16 Chorus; and a United States flag was dedicated by Ester Bivona, receiver of taxes, whose son, John, served in Iraq and brought the flag back for the town.