NHL Hall-of-Famer Mark Messier, who led the New York Rangers to a Stanley Cup in 1994, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center in the Bronx, which will be the world’s largest ice sports facility when complete.
As CEO, Messier will oversee the development and operation of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center, including its free educational and sports programs for young people in the community.
During the course of his 25-year NHL career, Messier won six Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers and the New York Rangers. His 1,887 regular season points are the second most of all time, as are his 295 playoff points and 1756 regular season games played.
“The Kingsbridge National Ice Center will transform the Bronx into the epicenter of ice sports in the United States, while generating tremendous economic and educational benefits for the community,” said Messier. “This is an opportunity to do something that will profoundly impact kids in the Bronx and all across New York City, and I will work hard to ensure it reaches its full potential.”
Expected to open in 2017, the Kingsbridge National Ice Center (KNIC) will be an international sporting destination that will draw first-time skaters and champion athletes alike. At least two rinks at KNIC will be sled hockey-compatible for people with disabilities. This world-class facility will immediately become a valuable community asset, as well as a global center of hockey, figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, ice dancing and curling.
As part of a multi-million dollar package of benefits, KNIC Partners has agreed to provide “living wage” jobs for local workers; More than 52,000 square feet of community space provided rent-free, along with $8 million to develop the space for the community; Opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses; Discounted ice time for Title 1 schools; An incubator intended to assist local entrepreneurs in launching new business ventures.
In addition, the agreement includes a commitment to targeted local hiring, local procurement, and the sustainable green development and operation of the facility.
“Mark is not only one of the most accomplished and revered athletes in New York sports history, but he is a proven leader who understands what it takes to get the job done and brings out the best in those around him,” said Kevin Parker, founder of KNIC Partners. “I know he will dedicate himself to this project’s success, and we could not be more excited to have him as the CEO and ‘Captain’ of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center.”
Backed also by Olympic Figure Skating Champion Sarah Hughes, the 750,000 square-foot facility will feature nine year-round indoor rinks, including 3 Olympic- and 6 NHL-sized rinks.
KNIC also plans to create a foundation to establish free after-school ice sports and academic tutoring programs for disadvantaged youth. The program will be will be developed with direction from Messier and Hughes.
Once completed, the Kingsbridge National Ice Center will more than double the number of ice facilities in New York City, which currently has only seven year-round ice rinks and none in the Bronx.
Mayor Bloomberg announced the selection of the $320 million KNIC plan on April 23, 2013 at a press conference inside the vacant Armory. The proposal currently is making its way through the City’s Uniform Land Use Review Process (ULURP).
The project is expected to break ground in 2014 and will have a $1.3 billion economic impact on New York City over 30 years. Renderings are available upon request.
