ABC 15 Arizona reported Jim Rogers, owner of AZ Ice Rinks’ three indoor arenas in Arizona, passed away at age 55 on Wednesday. Relatives said that he died of natural causes, although he died while at one of his hockey facilities. Phoenix police are reportedly investigating.
Rogers reportedly owned AZ Rinks Arcadia, Peoria, and Gilbert at the time of his death. RinkAtlas has previously estimated that there are 12 indoor arena facilities in Arizona where amateur hockey can be played. This means that Jim Rogers owned one quarter of the available ice surfaces in Arizona.
Previous media reports indicate that Rogers’ AZ Rinks business appeared to be acquiring small indoor ice arenas in the Phoenix area, modernizing and improving management. This is a model similar to that which Black Bear Sports Group is using in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware areas.
It is not clear if Rogers’ death will trigger a sale of these arenas.