The George Mason University Ice Hockey Alumni Foundation and representatives from the George Mason University Men’s Ice Hockey team recently delivered a $150,000 check to the Prince William Ice Center to help fund the construction of a new team facility and locker room for the exclusive use of George Mason’s ACHA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey team.

In announcing the team facility, Head Coach Steve Hyjek explained, “Last season, George Mason Ice Hockey celebrated its 30th anniversary, and these developments with Prince William Ice Center are another step in the process of making our program a compelling option for playing Division I ice hockey in the ACHA.” Mason secured approval to move up to ACHA Division I Men’s competition for the 2020-21 season, but the ongoing pandemic prevented Mason from playing ACHA games, thus making the 2021-22 season Mason’s inaugural year in M1. “We appreciate our partnership with Prince William Ice Center owners, RJ Zeigler and Shawn Clark; a partnership which will continue for many years to come,” added Coach Hyjek.

Construction of the Mason Ice Hockey team’s new 2,500 square foot facility (floor plan photo above) will begin in late spring with the goal of being completed in late 2021. The team’s new circular locker room will accommodate 25 skaters and three goalies with unique design features to include a two-tiered lit team logo affixed to the ceiling. It will also include a team meeting space, laundry room, equipment storage, and offices for the coaching staff.

This new facility is another major step toward a longstanding home rink relationship Mason Ice Hockey has had with the Prince William Ice Center and Innovative Sports Management, which operates the rink. Ownership has also recently added Mason Hockey graphics to one of the rink’s main entrances (see photo) and is considering an option that would add Mason’s logo to the center ice circle (artist rendering shown) for the 2021-22 season.

Commenting on Price William Ice Center’s long and expanding relationship with Mason Ice Hockey, RJ Zeigler, Managing Partner of Innovative Sports Management said, “We are excited to continue our long-standing, positive relationship with Steve Hyjek and the Mason Hockey organization. Their continued upward trajectory over the past several seasons has been nothing short of astonishing. The additions coming will really set the bar for ACHA programs and give them another fantastic asset to their program. Shawn Clark and I are looking forward to supporting the future growth and success of Mason Hockey in any way we can.”

Assistant Coach and Head of Recruiting Alex Grose sees the new team facility paying dividends for Mason Ice Hockey both on and off the ice, as well as in recruiting. “There are only a handful of ACHA college programs that can offer the package we have at GMU.” Touting Mason’s progress, Grose added “Our prospects see a serious and committed hockey program, coupled with Mason’s great academics and the ability to experience all of this in the nation’s capital is a great draw.”