An inline rink in the area, which was destroyed by a wildfire in late March, is now being reconstructed thanks to a joint donation of $30,000 announced by the Washington Capitals on Thursday. The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, along with MSE chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis and the National Hockey League, collaborated to provide the funds to Support Hoover Ridge, Inc. for the Madison County Parks and Recreation Hockey Program. The rink in Madison County, Virginia, was completely destroyed when strong winds sparked a fire on March 20th.
The Capitals announced today a combined donation of $30,000 from @MSEFndn, MSE chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis and the NHL to Support Hoover Ridge, Inc. for the Madison County Parks and Recreation Hockey Program for construction of a new inline rink.
— x – Washington Capitals (@Capitals) April 25, 2024
A shed containing hockey gear, equipment, and other supplies was also lost in the fire. According to the team’s press release, Riley Sports and Mateflex, vendors for the Capitals’ street rinks, have contributed an additional $30,000 worth of products towards the project.
The inline rink was the home of the Madison Wildfire in the Madison Hockey League. The Wildfire is one of the founding members of the Capitals’ Inline Hockey League, which was launched in 2023.
This isn’t the first time the Capitals have helped refurbish local rinks. In 2019, they renovated six rinks across Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Using funds from the NHL’s Industry Growth Fund, the Caps invested $1.9 million in new regulation goals, plastic flooring, lights, boards, scoreboards, and fences.
Here’s the Capitals’ press release regarding the work in Madison County:
Washington Capitals, MSE Foundation, Ted Leonsis and NHL Donate Combined $30,000 to Support Hoover Ridge, Inc. in Support of Construction of New Inline Rink
The Washington Capitals have announced a joint donation of $30,000 from the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation, MSE chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis, and the National Hockey League to Support Hoover Ridge, Inc. This donation will aid in the construction of a new inline rink for the Madison County Parks and Recreation Hockey Program in Madison County, VA, following the destruction of the former rink in a wildfire on March 20th. Each of MSE Foundation, Leonsis, and the NHL contributed $10,000 to the cause.
Additionally, Riley Sports and Mateflex, the Capitals’ vendors for street rinks, have contributed a combined $30,000 worth of products to support the project.
The wildfire destroyed most of the rink, including a shed containing hockey gear, equipment, tools, skates, uniforms, and other supplies. The rink was used by the Madison Hockey League, whose Madison Wildfire is an inaugural member of the Capitals Inline Hockey League established in 2023.
The Madison Hockey League, Madison Parks and Recreation, and Support Hoover Ridge are actively fundraising for the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center, which will include the new inline hockey rink. The previous rink was situated behind the American Legion Building on Thrift Road in Madison. For more information and to make a donation, click here.
The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the community by supporting impactful solutions. The foundation raises funds, provides grants to nonprofits, and mobilizes Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s teams and fans to support and amplify the impact of community initiatives. Learn more at www.monumentalfoundation.org.
