Skating has existed for thousands of years, and the fact that it’s still a hugely popular pastime is a testament to its enduring allure. Whether you’re a figure skating beginner or a seasoned skater looking for a competitive amateur hockey league, the American Heartland Ice Arena in Lincolnwood, Illinois, is the place for you.
Convenient Location
The American Heartland ice rink is located at 7384 Lincoln Ave. Being less than 15 miles away from downtown Chicago means that anyone living in Chicago or its suburban area can go for an occasional skate or join one of the ice arena’s many programs. The arena is also within walking distance of the Lincoln Town Center shopping mall, so you can drop by either before or after skating and grab a bite or do some shopping. The ice rink is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Great Place to Learn How to Skate
Skating around the rink not only feels great, but it’s also a wonderful way to connect with friends while getting some exercise at the same time. However, many of those who haven’t skated before, especially adults, tend to be intimidated and never bring themselves to try and learn how to skate.
The Heartland Skating Academy has many different programs that can help you learn how to ice skate. It doesn’t matter if you only want to reach a decent level so you can skate around the rink or get so good at it that you can play hockey or perform figure skating moves; the Academy’s world-class program will meet your needs and physical condition. It also provides all participants with a fun and vibrant atmosphere that enriches any learning environment.
Even on days when you may not feel like pushing yourself to achieve your goals, the Academy staff’s passion and enthusiasm are sure to rub off on you and help you become a better skater with each new lesson. Also, if you’re a parent who wants to introduce your children to skating but would also like to join in on the fun, you can benefit from the special parent discount and join an adult class for half the original price.
Learn To Play Hockey and Join In on the Action
Playing ice hockey is not only a great way to get in shape and improve your physical coordination but also a fun pastime. If you’re looking to introduce your child to ice skating but also give them the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the game of ice hockey, Heartland’s hockey programs are the ideal place to do so. All courses are based on USA Hockey’s American Development Model, a nationwide program that creates an engaging, challenging environment for kids to learn and reach their full potential on an individualized, inclusive basis.
The goal of these hockey programs is to help children learn how to skate and develop hockey fundamentals, as well as develop confidence and self-esteem. The programs are aimed at kids ages 3 and older and can teach hockey to kids of all levels, from those with absolutely no experience to those who are experienced hockey players and would like to work on their skating, passing, and stick-handling skills. Also, kids who want to play competitive hockey can do so via the Heartland Ice Arena’s in-house team, the Chicago Bulldogs.
Go Ice Skating With Friends and Family
If you and your loved ones are decent ice skaters, you can visit the Heartland Ice Arena and join the fun. It’s not only a great bonding activity that you can enjoy with friends, family, or a date, but it’s also great exercise, even if you’re older or not very physically fit. The prices are affordable, and the arena offers discounts for children, veterans, and seniors. However, it’s worth remembering that the hard and slippery ice can cause you some trouble if you fall and are not equipped with head protection.
Join an Adult Hockey League
Who says kids should have all the fun? If you’re an adult who wants to play competitive hockey but for some reason, the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t interested in your services, you can join the Heartland Ice Arena’s competitive adult ice hockey league. You can either join an existing team or form your own. The season starts in April and ends in September.
The 2021 season has 10 teams that play each other twice, meaning that the regular season has a total of 18 games. Just like any serious league, the regular season is followed by the playoff and with it the chance to get your hands on the Heartland Cup.
High-Performance Training for Athletes
The Heartland Ice Arena also offers sport-specific high-intensity training for athletes who want to improve their physical abilities. It doesn’t matter if you practice an individual sport or are part of a team; Heartland high-performance training programs are specifically tailored to help you achieve your specific goals. Individual athletes can benefit from a free initial workout with one of the trainers, in which the trainer assesses the athlete’s current level and objectives. Based on that initial assessment, a unique training program is designed, centered around the athlete’s physical shape, potential, and goals.
Team training is also available and is designed to help an entire team physically prepare for an upcoming season and develop sport-specific skills. Depending on your team’s needs and objectives, one or more training sessions can be scheduled each week. If you’re not an athlete or part of a team but would like to significantly improve your shape, you can schedule a one-on-one session with a personal trainer and work together to develop a training plan that will help you achieve your fitness goals in as little time as possible.
There are many different ways to enjoy skating, from slowly and serenely gliding around the rink to engaging in an adrenaline-packed game of ice hockey. No matter what your preferred way is, visit Heartland Ice Arena to find the perfect environment to enjoy it. Be sure to be at the top of your game with the right hockey equipment, contact us at Gunzo’s to get fitted for all of your hockey needs.