ESH Ice Arena

Non-Profit Community Ice Rink in Grosse Pointe-Adjacent Detroit

The ESH Ice Arena is operated by the East Side Youth Sports Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to growing youth sports on the east side of metro Detroit. The rink anchors the foundation's hockey programming and partners with Detroit PAL and other community organizations to deliver low-barrier learn-to-play opportunities.

Programs for Kids

The arena runs entry-level instruction alongside association hockey. Programs include:
- Learn to Play Hockey 8U program for children ages 3-9
- Detroit PAL G.R.E.A.T. Skate Youth Hockey 8-week program in partnership with NHLPA
- Detroit Bulldogs Hockey Club partner programming
- Youth hockey league play and clinics
- Equipment and jersey provision for new players
- Scholarship support for low-income families
- Public skating sessions

What's Included

• Indoor ice sheet with locker rooms
• Equipment loaner program for first-time players
• Coaching staff with hockey playing experience
• Scholarship pathway for participating families
• Drop-in public skate hours

Experience

The foundation focuses on removing social, economic, and racial barriers to youth hockey on Detroit's east side. New skaters work on falling safely, balance, and basic glide before progressing into stick-handling and game-speed reads. The program is designed so first-time players can show up without owning gear and still skate week one.