The ice rink at Bowman Field is still a few weeks away from opening, but once the ice is laid the busiest people in the city may be the zamboni drivers.
Besides being home to the Williamsport Outlaws of the Federation Hockey League, Airmen Pond at Bowman Field will be home to many winter on-ice activities, including open public skates, ice and figure skating lessons, youth ice hockey and adult hockey.
"They are trying to get as much use of it as they can," said Jody Miller, who along with Tim Criswell are helping organize the adult hockey league for players 18 and older. "There is going to be a lot going on."
Miller is hoping the adult league, which is open to women and men, can fill six to eight teams. Games will consist of three 20-minute periods. The season will consist of 12 games with an expected playoff at the end of the season.
Interested players will have an opportunity to test the ice surface for free and obtain any needed information during a four-day trial period. Those dates are Oct. 22, 26, 28 and 30, and are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Players will be able to register at that time.
Fees are $1,500 per team.
The Greater Williamsport area is surrounded by established hockey markets like Hershey and Wilkes-Barre, cities that both operate American Hockey League franchises. High school hockey is also beginning to gain a foothold as close as State College and Hershey.
Miller thinks this area could see a similar boom.
"There is already a core interest out there," he said. "And with Penn State moving to Division I hockey, I think that interest in the area will grow."
For more information on the adult league email Miller at jodymiller98@hotmail.com or Criswell at tcriswell 19@comcast.net. Information on all available activities can be obtained at williamsporticearena.com.
