Kevin Granato

The Riverview Ice House was a central figure in the development of my hockey career that spanned more than 25 years.  It first served me as a youth hockey player where every year my teams travelled to Rockford from Chicago for games and tournaments to compete against one of the midwest's most formidable hockey programs that thrived out of the Ice House. I'll always have fond memories of playing at the IceHouse, staying overnight in Rockford and enjoying downtown in our downtime. Just one of the many experiences that fostered my pathway to NCAA Division-1 and pro hockey.  Fast forward to my late-twenties when I moved to downtown Rockford to begin my second career in advertising.  During my four years in Rockford, I not only played men's league at the IceHouse but proudly helped conduct youth hockey clinics to help young Rockfordian skaters develop their skills and work ethic, readying them for anything the future might hold: on or off the ice.  This wouldn't have been possible without the Riverview Ice House - a true monolith for learning, growth and community camaraderie. An essential venue that serves the local community in so many ways, measurable and immeasurable. A true irreplaceable institution that if demolished, also destroys all the good it creates.