Peconic Hockey Foundation Unveils Ed Westfall Arena

Former New York Islanders Captain Ed Westfall was honored by the Peconic Hockey Foundation on Saturday as a brand-new ice skating venue and training site in Calverton was dedicated in his name. 

“This is absolutely heartwarming,” Westfall said on Saturday. “I really think about how much this does for a community. I grew up in Ontario where we all learned how to play hockey in these small rinks. It brought families together. This creates more excitement for the game of hockey, and of course, for New York Islanders fans.”

Having a hockey arena named after a player is a high honor and has to be reserved for someone special. In the eyes of Islanders Co-owner Jon Ledecky, Westfall’s deep-rooted history on Long Island fits that bill. 

“We love to say that Ed Westfall wore #18, but he was #1 in our hearts,” Ledecky said. “Today the hearts of Long Island support Westfall as the arena is rightfully named after such a great career.”

The rink will provide a year-round place to skate for youth and adult hockey players, as well as public skating. The venue, which is comprised of an outdoor and bubble rink, also serves educational purposes with Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs offered year-round.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to have this rink here because it will serve so many members of this community and the whole East of Long Island,” Ledecky said. “It’s terrific that the citizens of Long Island are honoring his legacy and the legacy of 51 years of New York Islanders hockey.”

Westfall made a tremendous impact on the Islanders organization since the team’s inception in 1972. The Belleville, ON, native was the first captain in team history and played with the Islanders from the franchise’s first game until his retirement in 1979. Notably, he provided a veteran presence to the team in their first ever playoff appearance in 1975, where they upset the New York Rangers in a best-of-three series. Though Westfall was not on the roster for the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cups, he is revered as the force that prepared the young and talented team for their historic run.

“Without a doubt it’s important for our organization to honor Ed Westfall and all he’s done for Long Island,” said Troy Albert, President and Founder of the Peconic Hockey Foundation. “Without a doubt, the Islanders made ice hockey very special here. And because of that, it was important for us to grow the game on the East End.”

The Peconic Hockey Foundation recently honored Westfall with its Lifetime Achievement award. Troy and Caryn Albert started the Foundation back in 2015 with a focus on education, scholarships and fundraising to aid with the high costs of playing the sport. Westfall is honored to be involved and proud to be recognized, both for the award and the new arena. 

“They surprised me a lot over the last few years,” Westfall said of the foundation. “To be singled out for things like this, the recognition is really heartwarming for me.”

Islander alumni Steve Webb and Pat LaFontaine were in attendance on Saturday to support Westfall and the cause. 

“[Ed] was the guy who brought the culture and character to the team," Webb said. "He’s laid his roots here for the last 51 years and is part of why we still have hockey on Long Island. He was a great example.”

The ice rink will be open year-round, located on the East End of Long Island at 5789 Middle Country Road in Wading River.