Hi Everyone,

We at Centre Ice are thrilled to announce that we have become the official ice hockey supplier of the NZIHF! This partnership reflects the positive direction hockey is heading in New Zealand. Our shared vision with the NZIHF is all about getting more Kiwis on the ice and keeping them there, and we’re excited to be part of this journey.

A pleased NZIHF President Andy Mills stated “The NZIHF board is extremely excited to have Centre Ice as an official partner. It is also an acknowledgement of what Darren, Marina and the Blong family have given and done for ice hockey in New Zealand over many, many years. We look forward to working with Darren and his team and taking New Zealand ice hockey to new heights”.

Darren is particularly excited to share this news and looks forward to what the future holds for Centre Ice and the NZIHF.

Centre Ice has been selling ice hockey gear to Kiwis for decades, but our history goes back even further. The Blong family’s journey from the small town of Ruawai to becoming the owners of some of New Zealand’s largest ice rinks is a fascinating one. We invite you to take a trip down memory lane with us to see where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.

If you’re into ice hockey, the name Blong likely rings a bell—especially Darren Blong, the owner of Centre Ice and one of New Zealand’s most decorated ice and inline hockey players. He’s travelled the world playing and coaching, and now runs New Zealand’s leading hockey shop. But this story is more than just Darren’s; it’s a family affair, with siblings Rosie and Chris operating the Paradice Rinks in Avondale and Botany, a relationship spanning over 40 years.

Parent Ross and Nell Blong were successful dairy farmers in the 70s with dreams of a round stock Farm in the Waikato. But those dreams took a chilly turn when an ice rink in Glen Innes came up for sale in 1974. Ross and Nell, ever the entrepreneurs, snapped it up and started a new venture. An eight-year-old Darren, more into motorbikes and tractors, had never heard of an ice rink before. His first introduction to skating involved being pushed around in a chair on the ice.

“For me, it was definitely not love at first sight,” Darren admits. Moving from the farm to an apartment at the back of the rink was a “travesty” for the young farm kid. What was meant to be an 18-month move to Auckland turned into a permanent shift.

“We skated every day while Mum and Dad ran the rinks,” Darren recalls. Despite this, hockey wasn’t an immediate hit for the Blong kids. Darren and Chris gave it up after a year and a half since there was only one team at the time. Darren got back into it at 16-17 thanks to his friends, initially playing for the Manuwai Ice Hockey Club at the Glen Innes Rink. With just 20 fellow players, they improvised, using cork pucks at the Avondale rink. At that time, Ross had the import tariffs removed for hockey equipment.

Seeing a gap in the market, Ross started importing hockey gear. Darren, fresh from Canada, convinced Ross and Chris to sell inline skates. After a hesitant start, they ordered 1000 pairs and struggled to sell them—until inline skating took off in the early 90s. The formation of the Auckland Ice Hockey Association saw player numbers skyrocket, with proper leagues forming and more gear needed.

As hockey grew, so did the demand for gear. Darren picked up Easton and Rawlings as major suppliers and expanded into softball and baseball, creating The Dugout alongside Centre Ice. Now, as New Zealand’s official Bauer distributor, Centre Ice offers competitive prices and personal service that online giants can’t match.

Darren and Marina still run Centre Ice and The Dugout, while Chris and Rosie continue to operate the ice rinks. Centre Ice has built a reputation for stocking the best brands, offering local expertise, and supporting hockey nationwide. Beyond running a business, the Blong family has been instrumental in fostering and growing the sport in New Zealand. Ross was once asked why he didn’t expand to other ventures, and he replied that he and Nell enjoyed the people involved in skating.

The future of New Zealand ice hockey is bright. From learn-to-play programs and the Super U12 league to National leagues and National teams, the goal is to keep more Kiwis’ feet in skates and on the ice. Darren’s passion for coaching and developing young players is evident, with initiatives like the NZIHF development camps bringing hundreds of kids to the rink each year.

The Blong family’s journey from dairy farming to skating is a testament to their dedication and love for the sport. Centre Ice is more than just a business—it’s a hub for the hockey community, helping to grow the game and inspire the next generation of players. As Ross stated, “It’s about the people.”

Thank you for being part of our journey, and we look forward to seeing you on the ice!

Warm regards,

The Centre Ice Team