Nantucket Ice Community Rink

You might not expect to find a year-round ice rink on a small island 30 miles out to sea, but Nantucket has one -- and it is one of the most beloved community gathering spots on the island. The Nantucket Ice Community Rink, officially named the Christopher Nugent Bovers Community Ice Rink, sits at 10 Backus Lane in the heart of mid-island. Open to everyone from wobbly first-timers to seasoned hockey players, the rink offers public skating, youth and adult hockey, figure skating, curling, learn-to-skate programs, and even indoor pickleball. Whether you are visiting in January or July, this is one of Nantucket's best-kept secrets for family-friendly fun.

The rink exists because a group of determined Nantucket residents decided the island needed one. In 1995, a nonprofit organization was founded with the mission of building and endowing the first year-round community skating rink on Nantucket Island. After seven years of fundraising through individual donations and volunteer effort, the rink opened its doors in July 2002.

One of the rink's most notable supporters is AJ Mleczko, a Nantucket native who won Olympic gold in women's ice hockey at the 1998 Nagano Games and silver at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Her parents moved to Nantucket year-round in the mid-1990s, right around the time the rink idea was taking shape. From 2002 to 2012, Mleczko hosted the annual "Charity on Ice" fundraiser, bringing NHL players and Olympic athletes to the island each year to raise money for the facility.

Today the rink is powered in part by a rooftop solar array, reflecting the island's commitment to sustainability. Operating an ice rink on an island is no small feat -- electricity costs alone have exceeded $147,000 per year -- but the community continues to rally around the facility through donations, fundraising events, and volunteer support.

Public skating sessions are the easiest way for visitors to enjoy the rink. Open to all ages, public skate times are scheduled throughout the week and vary by season. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult on the ice.

What to Expect

The rink is a single-sheet indoor facility with a heated spectator area, so family members who prefer to watch can stay comfortable. Hockey and figure skate rentals are available on-site, so you do not need to bring your own. The pro shop also carries laces, tape, mouthguards, and other essentials, and skate sharpening is available with 24-hour notice.

Family Skate

Sundays are designated family skate days, making them an ideal time for parents and kids to hit the ice together. Themed skates are held periodically throughout the year, adding variety and making return visits even more fun.

Schedule Note

The rink's weekly schedule changes frequently to accommodate leagues, programs, and special events. Always check the current schedule at nantucketice.org/schedule or call (508) 228-2516 before heading over.

Hockey has a strong following on Nantucket, and the rink is home to several programs that serve players from age 5 through adulthood.

Nantucket Nor'easters Youth Hockey

The Nor'easters program serves young players ages 5 to 18, from Mite through Midget levels. Registration costs approximately $650 per season, with scholarship opportunities available for first-time players. The program also offers free equipment lending, removing one of the biggest barriers to entry for families new to the sport. Games and practices are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, though the schedule varies by level.

Nantucket Whalers High School Hockey

Both the boys' and girls' Nantucket High School varsity hockey teams -- the Whalers -- play their home games at the rink. Catching a Whalers game is a great way to experience island community spirit. Check the school's athletic schedule for game dates during the winter season.

Adult Men's Hockey League

The adult men's league draws players of all skill levels for competitive but friendly games. It is a popular outlet for year-round residents and a great way to connect with the local community.

Stick and Puck

Open stick-and-puck sessions appear regularly on the weekly schedule, giving hockey players of all ages a chance to work on skills, shoot around, or scrimmage informally.

The rink offers structured programs for skaters looking to develop their skills on the ice, from absolute beginners to competitive figure skaters.

Learn to Skate

Learn to Skate classes cover the fundamentals for both figure skating and hockey skating. These group lessons are ideal for children and adults who are stepping onto the ice for the first time or looking to build confidence.

Stars on Ice

This program, offered in collaboration with the Town of Nantucket, provides skating instruction at an accessible price point of approximately $65. Financial aid is available, making it one of the most affordable ways for island kids to learn to skate.

Nantucket Skating Club

Based at the rink, the Nantucket Skating Club offers figure skating programs, open freestyle sessions, and special events throughout the year. The club is home to the Nantucket Island Waves, the island's synchronized skating team. Revived in late 2023 by coaches Katie Holdgate and Nia Bessey -- both former Island Waves skaters themselves -- the team took first place at the New England Synchronized Skating Open in 2023.

The Nantucket Curling Club operates out of the rink and welcomes participants of all skill levels. If you have always been curious about this increasingly popular sport, this is a fun and low-pressure place to give it a try. The club also hosts corporate curling events for private group bookings -- a unique team-building activity during an island visit.

The rink plays a significant role in youth recreation on Nantucket, particularly during the school year.

Kids on Ice

The Kids on Ice after-school program runs twice per week for children in grades K-5 and grades 6-12. Here is the best part: the program is fully funded by the Nantucket Golf Club Foundation, Inc., meaning it is completely free for participants. This is a standout community resource and a wonderful way for island kids to stay active.

Indoor Pickleball

The rink facility also houses four indoor pickleball courts with concrete surfaces and portable nets. Restrooms and water are available. This is a welcome option for visitors looking for indoor recreation, particularly during the off-season or on rainy days.

Private Events

The rink is available for birthday parties, staff outings, corporate curling events, and private hockey group bookings. Contact the rink directly to arrange private ice time.

The rink hosts several popular events throughout the year that are worth planning a visit around.

• Ice Skating with Santa: A hugely popular annual holiday event that draws families from across the island
• Nantucket Ice Holiday Show: Features performances from Learn to Skate students, the Island Waves synchronized skating team, solo and group routines, and Nor'easters hockey demonstrations, followed by a holiday skate open to all
• Casino Night Fundraiser: An annual gala held at the White Elephant Ballroom featuring roulette, blackjack, craps, Texas Hold 'em, and an open bar, with proceeds benefiting the rink
• Themed Public Skates: Held periodically throughout the year with varying themes
• Summer Hockey Clinics: Camps and clinics featuring guest instructors, including occasional sessions with NHL alumni

Getting There

The rink is located at 10 Backus Lane, a short drive or bike ride from Nantucket Town center. If you are staying downtown, the rink is easily reachable by bike, car, or the NRTA shuttle. Parking is available on-site.

What to Bring

If you have your own skates, bring them. Otherwise, rentals are available at the rink. Dress in layers -- the rink is cold, but you will warm up once you start skating. Gloves are strongly recommended, especially for beginners. The spectator area is heated for those watching from the sidelines.

Season and Hours

The rink operates year-round, though it closes for a spring maintenance period (typically mid-March through late May or early June). Daily hours generally run from approximately 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM, but the schedule varies significantly by day and season. Public skate times, league games, and programs all share the ice, so checking the current schedule is essential before visiting.