WATERVILLE, MAINE, August 2024 — The Maine Ice Vault in Hallowell is getting a new name: Thomas College Ice Vault. The Ice Vault and Thomas College are entering into a 10-year naming and branding rights partnership.
Thomas College branding will appear on the large outside sign of the arena that is visible from I-95, and throughout the inside of the arena, including the locker rooms.
Thomas College’s men’s ice hockey team has been using the Ice Vault as its home arena since 2016 when Sukee Arena closed. Thomas College also recently announced the addition of a women’s ice hockey team in Fall 2025 that will utilize the facilities.
“We’re excited for this amazing partnership, and grateful for this Central Maine community. I’m so proud to be a part of a college that is expanding programs and spaces and providing more experiences for our students,” said Thomas College VP of Athletics Chris Parsons. “We are so grateful to the Prescott family for their ongoing commitment to Thomas College, our students and our athletes.”
The Ice Vault has been a part of Ryan Kappelman’s life since he was 14 years old. Kappelman, the Thomas College Assistant Hockey Coach and Assistant Director of Admissions, has spent time at the ice rink as an athlete – both in high school and for Thomas College – and as a youth coach and now as a college coach, helping to recruit the next generation of Thomas Terriers.
“I was lucky enough to have this beautiful facility as my home rink for the last 10 years. Everyone at the rink has been supportive and great to me and the teams that I have been on. I can remember everything from the 5am practices, to watching movies in the locker room to hanging out with Mick in the pro shop, this rink has always been a big part of me,” said Kappelman.
“The ice vault is a staple for the community and the state of Maine. I have met a lot of great people from my time at the vault and it gives kids in the area the chance to learn and play this great sport at a high level,” he said.
Thomas College and the Ice Vault are hosting a celebration of the naming of the Maine Ice Vault to Thomas College Ice Vault in Hallowell, Maine on September 4 at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to join.
What to expect:
- Tour the newly Thomas Terriers branded arena and locker rooms
- Short ceremony with sign unveiling
- Chance to win a Zamboni ride
- Get some free Thomas swag
- Stay for free open skate, 4-5:30 pm
About Thomas College:
U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Thomas College as a top college in Maine for social mobility. Our clear career focus and one-of-a-kind Guaranteed Job Program™ makes it possible to advance faster in the arts and sciences, business, and education. Earn an undergraduate degree in three years and then choose from a variety of in-person or online graduate degree programs that can be completed in one-year or two. Located in Waterville, Maine, Thomas College is your pathway to a promising future, guaranteed. For more information visit thomas.edu or contact MacKenzie Riley Young at [email protected] or 207-859-1313. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.