Iceoplex — Local services in Simi Valley

Unfortunately, we have stopped coming here as often as we used to. You will notice in the pictures that there is an entire team and coaches practicing during the 11am stick time. I can confidently say that 99% of the time there are private coaching sessions, training clinics, and full-on hockey teams practicing during stick time. The 11am-1pm time slot is typically when the whole team and coach are on the ice. The 8:45am-10:45am time slot is when there are private lessons and clinics being ran by coaches/trainers. Some of the players show up at the last part of the 8:45am to warm up for their practice at 11am as well. However, both of these time slots are listed as “Sticktime NHL” on the Icoplex schedule. On top of all that, they are charging $20 per person, per session. This is extremely high considering how you have to...

I love bringing my girls to Iceoplex! We signed them up for the group classes on Tuesdays at 4:30 and makeup classes Saturdays at 11:30 — and in just 3 months, they’ve gone from clinging to the wall to skating backwards and doing swirls. Sure, they still look like baby deer on ice, but the progress has been awesome to watch.

We also added private lessons with Coach Lena — she’s fantastic. Super patient, great with kids, and somehow makes them feel like mini Olympians. Bonus: it’s surprisingly affordable.

Shoutout to Johnny at the skate shop too — he sharpens blades like a pro and even customized their skate guards for cheap.

Only reason it’s not 5 stars? The front desk vibes are…let’s just say, frosty. A little warmth wouldn’t hurt. Attached a quick video so you can see what the group classes look...

Poor choice for a child's birthday. Expect to be rushed through like cattle. Here's your pizza. Here's your cake. Sing your birthday song. Go skate.

They had a "lesson" that was either by a cruel or incompetent teacher. Half the kids were in tears. She treated the ones who couldn't cut it like cast offs on Survivor.

Look. If all you want to do is skate. It's fine. It's not particularly nice or clean. But it's skating in Southern California. It's not like we are known for this kind of sport.

They clearly tailor to the hockey crowd, so that could work for you.

But unless you enjoy seeing a group of 7 and 8 year olds end up in tears, you should get your skating fix somewhere else.

Oh. It's also REALLY cold. Dress like the 9 year winter is coming. Gloves,...