Dan Riffe

Left to right: Dan Riffe, Tyler Riffe 

Riverview Ice House has meant a lot to me over the years. When my family moved to Byron, IL, Riverview provided me and many others in the Byron area with a place to play hockey, be part of the Rockford community, and develop lifelong friendships. Riverview Ice House, the Rockford Hockey Club, Rockford Park District, and countless coaches allowed me to develop as a player and a person. They all combined to help me chase my dreams of becoming a college and professional hockey player. After finishing my college career (UW-Stout), I was able to play 2 games for the Rockford Ice Hogs at BMO Harris Bank Center and cap off my hockey career, right across the river from where it began.

I learned so many values from my time at Riverview like hard work, dedication, persistence, and most of all teamwork. Riverview plays such a critical role in the whole Rockford community, bringing the great sport of hockey to the forefront. And, we all know hockey has thrived and grown with the community. Closing Riverview would be sad.

Back when I lived in the area, I remember getting off the ice after Open Hockey, right before Public Skating. The lobby was always packed with all kinds of people - all ages, all colors and I believe all income brackets. Why would the Rockford Park District close the door on so many kids who also need a place to chase their dreams - like so many of us did? Or, for that matter, why would they close the doors on so many people who just want to go for a Public Skate?

Riverview Ice House should remain as a destination for sport and recreation in downtown Rockford and help bring hockey/skating to those for whom traveling to Carlson Ice Arena is not an option.

Dan Riffe, Chicago, Illinois