In a groundbreaking development for North American ice hockey, the Vegas Golden Knights organization has embraced innovative training technology through a strategic partnership with Swiss-based Green Hockey. The collaboration has resulted in the installation of OCEANICE synthetic ice at the America First Center in Henderson, Nevada, the homebase of the Vegas Silver Knights, marking a significant milestone in sustainable hockey development across the continent.

Year-Round Training Advantages

In the desert climate of Nevada, where temperatures regularly soar well above 100°F (38°C), maintaining traditional ice presents significant challenges and environmental costs. The OCEANICE surface eliminates these concerns, offering players and coaches a reliable training option that remains consistent throughout the year.

Players utilize the synthetic ice area primarily for targeted skill development, including:

• Shooting mechanics and accuracy training
• Stickhandling and puck control drills
• Edge work and skating technique refinement
• Positional play in confined spaces

The facility complements the organization’s traditional ice surfaces, allowing for more specialized and frequent training sessions without the associated energy consumption of additional refrigerated ice sheets.

Expanding North American Presence

This installation represents our first major foothold in the North American professional hockey market and marks a significant achievement.

«Partnering with an organization as forward-thinking as the Vegas Golden Knights demonstrates the growing recognition of our technology at the highest levels of the sport,» says Riccardo Signorell, co-founder of Green Hockey. «North America represents the largest hockey market globally, and we’re thrilled to showcase how our sustainable solutions can enhance player development while addressing crucial environmental concerns.»

As climate change continues to impact traditional ice availability and maintenance costs worldwide, professional hockey organizations are increasingly exploring alternative training methods. The Vegas Golden Knights are positioning themselves at the forefront of this adaptation.

Looking Forward

The success of this partnership could signal a shift in how professional hockey organizations approach training infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. As more NHL and AHL teams observe the benefits, industry experts anticipate growing adoption across North America.

«This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a transformative relationship,» adds Speltz. «If we can maintain elite development standards while reducing our environmental impact, that’s a win-win situation that aligns perfectly with our organizational values.»

As hockey contends with the dual challenges of climate adaptation and sustainable growth, partnerships like this one between the Vegas Golden Knights and Green Hockey may well represent the future of the sport—a future where innovation and environmental responsibility skate hand in hand.

Let’s grow the game together! 💚🏒