Monday, July 9, 2018, the Georgetown Township​ Board members approved the sale of the Georgetown Ice Center​. Privatization has been a board goal for several months and they have now finalized a deal.

The purchaser is DP Fox Holdings, LLC, a company owned by Dan and Pamella DeVos. DP Fox also owns Griffs Icehouse West​ in Holland and its affiliate DP Fox Sports & Entertainment, LLC has managed Griffs Ice House​ in Grand Rapids for over 20 years. The name will officially change to Griff’s Georgetown as seen in our new logo.

Griff's Georgetown

DP Fox intends to maintain current operations at the new Griff’s Georgetown by retaining staff and existing rink programming. There will be continued investments made into the facility that keep it a great community asset for years to come and enhance our customers’ experience even further.

All arrangements with our key user groups of the rink will remain in place; in particular GVAHA​ Stars, GVSU D2 Hockey, GVSU D3 Hockey​, GVSU Women’s Hockey​, Hudsonville Varsity Hockey​, Grandville Varsity Hockey​ and Jenison​ Varsity Hockey.

Grand Valley STARS welcomes the new owners and is excited for the future improvements to the rink. All programs with the STARS and other groups within the rink will remain as they are.

If you have any questions about this transition, please contact any of our board members of GVAHA.

FAQ

What kind of improvements are coming to the rink?

Investments will be made in mechanical systems and there will be “enhancements” to programming. More details will be shared as they become available.

Will the rates or fees for learn to skate and learn to play programs be changing?

No. Our rates will not be changing due to the change in ownership.

Will Stick & Puck still be $5?

Yes, Stick & Puck will still be $5

Does BC Pizza Express remain at Georgetown?

Yes, they have a lease in place through the end of 2019.

Is the new owner affiliated with the Grand Rapids Griffins?

Yes, DP Fox Holdings also owns the Grand Rapids Griffins and two other Griff’s IceHouse locations.

Will the Grand Valley STARS become part of the Griffins youth hockey program?

No, Grand Valley Amateur Hockey Association (GVAHA) and Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association (GRAHA) are both non-profit organizations that operate independently of each other and the buildings they skate out of. Grand Valley STARS will remain STARS and wear the same STARS jersey.

Will the fees to play hockey with Grand Valley stars change?

No. The change in the building ownership will not affect the fees for the upcoming 2018–2019 season. Fees are set by the GVAHA Board of Directors each spring.

Will privatizing the rink affect the non-profit status of GVAHA (Grand Valley Amateur Hockey Association)? And will we still be able to use SCRIP to earn rebates for our hockey fees?

The change in the building ownership will not affect the non-profit status of GVAHA. The youth hockey association operates independently from the rink management. All aspects of our youth hockey association will remain the same. We will remain a non-profit youth organization, parents will still be able to use SCRIP and other fundraisers to earn rebates to offset hockey fees, and we will still be branded as the STARS!