Category: News

Daytona Beach, FL – Daytona Ice Arena is proud to announce former NHL player Eric Perrin as the new Director of Hockey for DIA. He will oversee our growing Swamp Rabbits youth programs as well as our adult leagues and programs.

As a native of Montreal, Canada, Eric fell for hockey at a young age and started to learn to skate at age 5. Eric’s love for the “Fastest Game on Earth” has taken him across Canada and the US, as well as Europe and the World. He was won many individual awards and more importantly, been a part of very successful teams that have won the NHL Stanley Cup (Tampa Bay Lightning) and the European Cup (JYP/Finland).

In preparation for his post-playing career, Eric became greatly involved in community events as Team Ambassador, with roles that included:

• Public Appearances
• Fundraising
• Volunteering
• Motivational & Inspirational Speaking

After retirement last year, Eric, his wife Karen, and their hockey loving children, discovered a love of the beach and have now settled in Daytona Beach. “I am eager to start this journey with DME Sports and Daytona Ice Arena and very excited about the potential growth of youth hockey in this area,” said Eric Perrin.

Outgoing Director of Hockey, Mackie Grimes said, “I would like to take this time to welcome Eric Perrin as the new Director of Hockey at Daytona Ice Arena. Eric comes with a lifetime of incredible experience and knowledge, a passion for hockey and player development, and I couldn’t think of anyone else I would want to pass the torch to. We are fortunate to have him here as a member of this hockey family.”

Eric is driven by a quest for learning and desire to continually improve. As a leader, both on the ice and in the locker room, Eric is known for his positive attitude and professionalism and will be a great addition to the Daytona Ice Arena Ice Hockey leadership team.

Eric Perrin Career

College: University of Vermont

• Division 1 Full Scholarship
• ECAC Rookie of the Year
• ECAC Player of the Year
• Hobey Baker Finalist
• NCAA Final Four Appearance

Professional Highlights: Played in the most prestigious leagues in hockey including:

• National Hockey League
• American Hockey League
• Kontinental Hockey League
• NLA (Swiss Elite League)
• Liiga (Finnish Elite League)

About Daytona Ice Arena   Daytona Ice Arena, in South Daytona is the area’s only ice-skating facility. In 2018, new ownership remodeled almost of the entirety of the 35,000 square-foot facility that hosts a wide range of participatory sports and recreation programs, leagues, and special events year-round. The facility includes one NHL-sized ice rink operating year-round as well as spectator viewing areas, meeting spaces, the Thaw Zone café and Cellys Sports Pub.

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