Suburban Arena Management to take over Royal Oak rink

Suburban Arena Management will move forward with plans to take over Royal Oak's John Lidell Ice Arena, despite a new high-profile gig for the company's manager.

Suburban, which operates five ice rinks in Southeast Michigan, will manage the two-rink facility beginning May 1. Suburban will be paid a monthly management fee of $5,500 for the first 14 months, according to the contract passed March 21. Rink representatives say they plan to often bring new proposals and ideas to the city of Royal Oak, and expect to maintain a good working relationship.

Excerpt:

Two days after the City Commission agreed to the five-year contract with the company on March 21, Anastos accepted the job to become the new head coach of the Michigan State University men's hockey team. Anastos, who previously served as the Central Collegiate Hockey Association president for 13 years, said his new position would not affect how the rink is run.

"We don’t take on projects we can't fulfill," he said. "We are going to provide the type of service we committed to."

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