The City of Bloomington will officially change the name of the Pepsi Ice Center to the Bloomington Ice Center. Additionally, the City will posthumously honor longtime Hockey Director Joe Olson by renaming the ice rink within the Center the Joe Olson Rink. These transitions are already underway and are anticipated to be complete in the next several weeks.
Joe Olson, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year, was instrumental in building the youth and adult hockey programs at the Ice Center since its 2006 opening.
“Joe knew the name of every player that came through our doors. We want everyone that ever enters into the rink to know his and all that he has done for the community,” says Bloomington Ice Center Manager Michael Hernbrott, adding, “It is due to Joe’s efforts that the Bloomington hockey community has grown to include the Bloomington Youth Hockey Association, the Central Illinois Girls Hockey Association, the Mclean County Youth Hockey Association, and the Central Illinois Sled Hockey Association.”
An official dedication ceremony for the rink will be announced at a later date.
