I think I'm being a little more generous with my review than others, but I think that's more in the context of being with my friends and having a good time with them. Nostalgia star +1
There's no denying that the neighborhood this place is in looks scary. I've been to a lot of places that are iffy, and this is definitely one of those "Walk from the car quickly, walk back to the car quickly" places. The area is dark and scuggy (which is a cross between scrungy and ugly, for those not used to utilizing made-up words). It also needs more lighting outside by a longshot, especially seeing other families and kids present.
I went to see roller derby there, and while the event was fine, I think the girls deserve a better venue. I understand roller derby may be considered a little underground or alternative, but this place looks like a high school gym. Actually, I have seen nicer high school gyms, so what the Hell, hockey center?
The event seemed popular. Why are there not enough seats for everyone? Other people have hit the high/low points of the venue, but I have to agree: Better sound system, more accessible scoreboard so you don't have to crane your neck like Linda Blair in "The Exorcist" to see it, a proper concession stand, better toilets, a paint job, fix the cracks, less scary toilets, etc. One could probably draw in even more roller derby enthusiasts if they had a place to sit and didn't look so dirty.
The amusement to me was the church next door with the painted on building front. That is some serious Wile E. Coyote style illusion without a doubt. But I had trouble initially finding the hockey center because its signage is not very obvious.
The event was fun enough, my friends were great, but the place needs some major TLC.