GRAND RAPIDS – Grand Rapids Christian Schools will celebrate the grand opening of the $1.1 million renovation of Eagles Ice Center (formerly known as Jolly Roger Ice Rink) on Saturday, September 18. The grand opening is highlighted by a charity hockey match between the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association and the Jolly Roger All Stars – played by some of West Michigan’s best hockey players.

Eagles Ice Center is located at 2600 Village Drive, adjacent to Grand Rapids Christian High School. Doors open at 3 p.m., player warm-up at 3:30, and game time at 4 p.m. The Detroit Red Wings Alumni team will be available for an autograph signing following the charity match.

Scheduled to play on the Detroit Red Wings Alumni team are “Bruise Brother” Joey Kocur, former Detriot Red Wing captain Dennis Hextall, 1984-85 scoring record-holder John Ogrodniek, and Kevin Miller. Also playing are former Stanley Cup Champions Craig Wolanin and Brent Fedyk. Playing alongside them are 1989-99 UHL MVP Sergei Kharin, former Chicago Black Hawks Wayne Presley and Phil Russell, and goalie George Bowman (grandson of the original “Scotty Bowman” – Red Wings 1934-40).

Tickets are $20 per person, which includes the charity hockey match, dinner, and Detroit Red Wings Alumni autograph signing. Proceeds from the grand opening will support the Eagles Ice Center locker room expansion and new coaching offices. To purchase tickets, please contact Grand Rapids Christian Schools Foundation office at 616-574-6020, visit www.dcaw.org, or stop by the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship box office at 2300 Plymouth.

Eagles Ice Center
Hockey has been played at this facility for nearly 40 years and has a long track record of providing the community access to both recreational and competitive hockey. Formerly known as Jolly Roger Ice Rink, this facility was renovated through a joint fundraising effort between Calvin College and Grand Rapids Christian Schools. Eagles Ice Center is one of several athletic facilities that are shared by Calvin College and Grand Rapids Christian Schools, the other include the Gainey Athletic Facility and the Venema Aquatic Center on the campus of Calvin College. Eagles Ice Center is home ice for the Eagles, Knights, and the East Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association.

Grand Rapids Christian Schools
The largest private, association-governed school system in Michigan, Grand Rapids Christian Schools serves 2,300 preschool through high school students at schools throughout metro Grand Rapids and has been in continuous operation since 1889. The mission of Grand Rapids Christian Schools is to prepare students to be effective servants of Jesus Christ.