LA Kings Valley Ice Center Caters to All Skaters

Facility offers public skating, hockey leagues, and specialty programs for competitive athletes and first-timers alike.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The LA Kings Valley Ice Center in Panorama City, California is a multi-rink community facility that caters to a wide range of skaters, from children learning to skate to adults competing in hockey leagues. The center offers public skating sessions as well as specialized programs like Freestyle, Stick Time, and Learn to Curl with the Hollywood Curling Club, giving the local community unique opportunities to grow and try new things on the ice.

Why it matters

The LA Kings Valley Ice Center fills a void left by the closure of older San Fernando Valley rinks, providing a modern facility that brings skating back to the local community. By offering a welcoming environment and programs for all skill levels, the center is building not just athletes, but also character, friendships, and lasting memories.

The details

The LA Kings Valley Ice Center features a main public rink and a smaller secondary rink for specialized activities. General Manager Michael Santiago says the center's mission is to create a family-friendly environment where everyone, from first-time skaters to competitive athletes, feels at home on the ice. Beyond leagues and lessons, the center offers unique programs like Freestyle, Stick Time, and Learn to Curl with the Hollywood Curling Club.

  • The LA Kings Valley Ice Center was built as a modern replacement for older San Fernando Valley rinks that had closed, such as the North Hollywood Ice Chalet after the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
  • The center opened its doors in the Panorama City neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The players

Michael Santiago

The General Manager of the LA Kings Valley Ice Center, who says the center's mission is to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment for skaters of all skill levels.

Donna Hensley

The owner and operator of the Sk8 Academy, one of the Learn to Skate programs offered at the LA Kings Valley Ice Center. Hensley says watching students grow from their first glide to confident turns is what makes the program special, as it builds a supportive community for every student.

Benjamin Rubin

A coach who works with skaters at the LA Kings Valley Ice Center, helping them develop their hockey skills.

Lizzie Addington

A skater who practices her hockey skills at the LA Kings Valley Ice Center under the guidance of Coach Benjamin Rubin.

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What they’re saying

“At the LA Kings Valley Ice Center, our mission is simple: to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment where everyone, from first-time skaters to competitive athletes, feels at home on the ice.”

— Michael Santiago, General Manager (dailynews.com)

“Watching our skaters grow from their first glide to confident turns is what makes the Learn to Skate program special. It's more than lessons — it's a community where every student feels supported and inspired.”

— Donna Hensley, Owner and Operator, Sk8 Academy (dailynews.com)

What’s next

The LA Kings Valley Ice Center plans to continue expanding its specialized programs and community events to engage skaters of all ages and skill levels in the local area.

The takeaway

The LA Kings Valley Ice Center is more than just a skating facility - it's a hub for the local community, providing a welcoming environment where people can come together to learn, grow, and make lasting memories on the ice.