In fact, you'll probably see me here.
The best time to go if your a beginner is during the public skates in the afternoon during the week. There tends to be less people so more room to practice. Saturday nights it turns into a teen spot so it's annoying but I go to practice maneuvering around them tweens and teens.
There is food and it's cheap. The staff knows their products and a lot about hockey. My bf has done a few of the pick up games in the south rink. The guys who play are really cool, i haven't really met a hockey player i don't get along with.. You can watch them too to get an idea.
The best thing is there are people here, that i've seen to help you learn to skate, you should know you do pay for it but it's not expensive. Or find me. :) It took me a few months but now i'm skating pretty well!
See you there!