Would you believe that in the Heart of Dixie one can join a Hockey League? What about Ice Skating lessons or practice Figure Skating? 
The Duluth Ice Forum is Gwinnett County's hottest place to get cold. From beginner Ice Skating to Figure Skating competitions and kids or adult Hockey Leagues, the Ice Forum hosts it all... and public skating.
The Ice Forum is also the practice facility of the Atlanta Thrashers NHL franchise. Not only are the practices here, but they are open to the public and free. It is a great opportunity to get a close up look at the game, as well as possibly pick up some autographs or shake hands with the players. NHL players are quite approachable, and many of them will hang out and chat with fans and sign autographs until the crowd is gone.
My son is going to "Snowplow Sam" lessons each week. He wants to play hockey and has to pass through a few levels of lessons first. So, we are there one evening each week for him to take his class. We also try to go on another morning each week to a public skate so that he can practice what he's learned while I skate with him. 
While the evening sessions of the public skate tend to be pretty busy, the mornings aren't. Also, the morning sessions tend to lean more towards families and seniors. So, there isn't much rowdiness. It is a great time to take a three year old that is challenging himself to not "plow snow."
Atlanta has several other ice rinks as well, including a Kennesaw rink that is affiliated with the Duluth Ice Forum. There is "The Cooler" in Alpharetta, and the "Marietta Ice Center" in Marietta. There are a few more rinks on the south side of Atlanta as well.
If you are relocating to Atlanta and looking to have a skating rink nearby, give me a call...
Unless otherwise noted, all content of this blog is the property of Lane Bailey, ©2012 Lane Bailey.
I'd love to hear from you...
I've skating at the Ice Forum many times! Nice to find I'm not the only person here who has an interest in the sport!
What did you think of Jr Worlds?
Jr. Worlds just finished up. www.isu.org has the results. Team USA did a great job! Check out the International Skating Unions site.
Snow Plow Sam is a great level for beginner skaters! Enjoy!!
William, we even figure skate down here in warm sunny Florida! We have lots of rinks here.
http://www.mvpsportsclubs.com/rdvsportsplex/iceden.asp is the link for the closest rink to my home in the Central Florida area. We have other rinks too!
When skating here, I usually wear shorts to the rink! Then I have to dress warmer inside to skate!