Cedar Rock Sportsplex received a major assist for its ice surface on Tuesday as the NHL, NHL Players’ Association and Detroit Red Wings surprised the Cedar Springs, Michigan, facility with a new Zamboni. The donation is intended to help keep hockey available to families in Cedar Springs and nearby Western Michigan communities.
A rink-building surprise in Cedar Springs
The new ice-resurfacing machine was unveiled after a special NHL/NHLPA Learn to Play session run with the Red Wings. Youngsters from the first Ram’s Little Wings Learn to Play group joined local families, community guests and former Detroit defenseman Jason Woolley for the on-ice event.
The clinic gave first-time and developing players a welcoming introduction to hockey’s basic skills, with the larger goal of making sure the rink can continue serving local players well beyond a single afternoon.
- The recipient is Cedar Rock Sportsplex in Cedar Springs, Michigan.
- The donation was made jointly by the NHL, NHLPA and Detroit Red Wings.
- Red Wings alumnus Jason Woolley took part in the event.
- Participants included players in the inaugural Ram’s Little Wings Learn to Play program.
- The initiative focused on youth access, local rink support and long-term participation in hockey.
Industry Growth Fund supports the donation
Funding for the Zamboni came through the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. The program backs league and club initiatives aimed at developing fans over the long haul, increasing hockey participation at every level—particularly among young players—and expanding the game’s reach across North America.
Rob Knesaurek, the NHL’s senior vice president of youth development and industry growth, said the fund is designed to create durable entry points into the sport alongside clubs, community organizations and local partners.
“Cedar Rock Sportsplex has become an important gathering place for this community,” Knesaurek said, adding that the donation should help the building remain available to young players and their families in the years ahead.
Keeping a community rink on the ice
Chris Campoli, an NHLPA divisional player representative, described Cedar Rock Sportsplex as the kind of local rink where children can discover the game and grow attached to it.
Campoli said the NHLPA was pleased to work with the fund and the Red Wings to provide equipment that can keep the facility active for the Western Michigan hockey community.
For the players who stepped onto the ice during the Learn to Play session, the focus was on the first strides, puck touches and basic habits that bring newcomers into the sport. For the rink, the new Zamboni is a practical piece of infrastructure intended to help make those first sessions possible for many more seasons.
