A new hockey hub is set to open its doors in Santa Rosa, transforming a maroon warehouse in the city's West End into a state‑of‑the‑art training center. The Breakaway Hockey Skating and Performance Center will feature a 70‑by‑40‑foot synthetic‑ice rink, a strength and conditioning area, and specialized equipment designed to elevate players' skills.
A Facility Built for Growth
The project is the brainchild of the Santa Rosa Growlers, a semi‑pro team that has been selling out home games and building a devoted following since 2019. Managing director Michelle Harris spearheaded the conversion, envisioning the center as a catalyst for growing hockey throughout Sonoma County and the broader North Bay region.
Beyond the team's own training needs, the facility will be open to the public, welcoming youth, amateur players, and enthusiasts. Services such as skate blade sharpening and complimentary sharpening for class participants will lower barriers to entry and foster a vibrant local hockey culture.
The centerpiece is a synthetic‑ice rink that mimics real ice while allowing year‑round use. Adjacent to it, a conditioning zone houses workout machines and two RapidShot machines that test puck‑shooting velocity and accuracy. A specialized treadmill will further train skaters for the unique movements required on ice.
Goalkeeper Derek Moser believes the extra ice time and advanced tools will accelerate player development and broaden interest in the sport. Players and coaches from the Growlers will take on dual roles as instructors, sharing their expertise while continuing to train themselves.
Egan Wolford, Eden Lapides, Blake Johnson and Mikayla Capelle are among the team members who will help staff the facility, ensuring that high‑level instruction is available to aspiring athletes. Michelle Harris has expressed a clear ambition to establish an elite youth hockey program in Santa Rosa, positioning the city as a emerging hub for the sport in the region.