Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter — Attraction in Sylvania

We stayed in Sylvania for a 3-day hockey tournament at the Tam-O-Shanter and by the end of the weekend, all I could really do was laugh at our experience.

On the day we arrived, it was 30 degrees outside, and the lobby was just as cold. When we entered the rink, the rink was somehow even colder than the weather outside. If you were unfortunate enough to have not dressed like you were going on a trip to the North Pole, there is no where to get warm. The warmest place in the building is directly under the hand dryer in the bathroom. No matter where you are in the building, you can see your breath.

Speaking of bathrooms, there wasn’t a single bathroom in the building with hot water, all the men’s stalls were broken, and when my daughter flushed the toilet in the women’s restroom, she got sprayed in the face with toilet water from the wall. I mean, the place didn’t look like it had seen a plumber, or an electrician, or a cleaner in a decade.

I usually hate to complain about refs, because I know they have a tough job, but it seemed like every ref learned to skate at the same place, because not one of them could. One ref fell over 2 of our players, effectively taking them out of the play, and while on top of our players, ate a shot that was intended to clear the puck from the goal, placing the puck directly in our goal. The ref admitted he assisted the goal after the game but didn’t know how to handle it. I’m not even mad that we missed the championship game by that 1 point. I was just happy to be able to leave that pole barn with ice early. When one of our players yelled “What are you even doing, ref?” I’m almost certain he said “I don’t know”.

Oh yeah, and the kicker is that they charge their guests for this lovely experience. If you want to watch your team play, it will cost you $5 a game, which I would have assumed would go towards turning the heat on, fixing the plumbing, or cleaning the piles of leaves from the lobby, but apparently not. Don’t worry, though, their staff will make you feel like you have a third eye if you act even remotely surprised about any of the aforementioned tragedies. They’ve apparently just become accustomed to living without the most basic commodity’s like warmth and restrooms.

If you come here, keep your expectations low, pack extra warm clothes, and plan on not using the restroom for the duration...

A Hockey Mom's Perspective: A Chilly but Cherished Hockey Haven

Hey fellow hockey moms and dads! I just had to share my thoughts on Sylvania Tam O'Shanter, where my little travel hockey superstar spends most of his time on the ice. It's not perfect, but it's definitely a place we've come to appreciate.

First things first, let's talk about the updates. They're happening, folks! Sure, the facilities may not be the snazziest just yet, but the fact that they're actively working on making improvements is a huge plus. It's exciting to see the changes taking shape, and I have high hopes for the future.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room (or should I say rink?) - the cold. Oh boy, it can get frosty in there, especially during those bone-chilling winter months. The heaters seem to have a mind of their own, but I've learned to come prepared with layers upon layers of warm gear. Trust me, invest in some cozy thermal socks and hand warmers, and you'll survive just fine!

But here's the thing that keeps bringing us back to Tam O'Shanter: their skating programs are top-notch! I can't stress this enough. Whether your little one is just starting out or aiming for the big leagues, they offer some of the best skating programs around. It's incredible to witness the progress our kids make under their expert guidance.

And guess what? There's a little haven upstairs for us tired and hungry parents. Yes, you heard it right - a bar and restaurant! It's a perfect place to kick back, grab a drink, and maybe even chat with other hockey families who understand the joys and struggles of being a hockey parent.

So, fellow hockey moms, despite the occasional nip in the air, I wholeheartedly recommend Sylvania Tam O'Shanter. Sure, there's room for improvement, but the dedication to enhancing the experience and the fantastic skating programs make it a cherished hockey hub for our little athletes. Bundle up, cheer on, and embrace the camaraderie of the hockey community at...

Best Ice Arena in NW Ohio! Multiple rinks, pro shop, and food are just some of the great services provided, but there are so many more, too many to list in this post. Go to the website or check the place out for all types of events, not just hockey. Every season is something cool for the community. For instance, in winter, they have the Winter Wonderland, and it's great for adults and children. The community really takes pride in this place. I played hockey here as a youth, and the upgrades they have done to this place since then are amazing! My children will also play hockey here as well. It's an amazing gem in the Sylvania community. NONE of the surrounding communities have...