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NORWALK, Conn. Norwalk is in for a welcome deep freeze, as the SoNo Ice House officially opened its doors to the public and ushered in the new Connecticut Oilers semi-pro hockey team's season.
Gov. Dannel Malloy, Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and state Sen. Bob Duff christened the new facility on Wilson Avenue. Featuring an NHL-size rink, a smaller practice rink, a pro shop, cafe and a gym, the SoNo Ice House aims to become the hockey hub of Fairfield County.
The Connecticut Oilers will be a big part of that goal, playing in the semi-professional Eastern Junior Hockey League. Several former members of the Norwalk Home Oilers, the semi-professional team that played in town from 1959 to 1972, attended the event.
Stamford native Ryan Hughes, founder and managing partner of the SoNo Ice House, also addressed the crowd of about 100 guests. The facility has been a labor of love for Hughes, who got emotional discussing all that went into building and financing the project and bringing hockey back to Norwalk.
Click on the photo gallery to see highlights from Friday's festivities.
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