Like many families at Igloo, my family is extremely invested in the community at Igloo Ice Rink. It has always been a supportive and nurturing environment for those skate, whether as a figure skater or an ice hockey player. Igloo is a uniquely special skating environment because of the staff who work tirelessly to ensure that Igloo is a magical place for those learning to skate to those who compete in figure skating to those who participate in hockey leagues. The employees and coaches at Igloo are exceptional! One of the phenomenal team members is General Manager, Ryan Van Natten. 

Ryan assumed the GM position in the Fall of 2022, after Rocky Marval retired. Ryan has been an outstanding GM, who leads and manages with authority, integrity, knowledge, compassion, justness, fairness, kindness, and warmth. He has established a healthy and positive working environment in which people feel supported, valued, and appreciated. As a result, his staff and colleagues respect and admire him. He also has a rapport with his clientele; he knows the families of those who call Igloo "home" and ensures that people are pleased with the facility and the programs that Igloo offers.  Ultimately, Ryan caters to the needs of all. He has had a significant impact on all who have interacted with him because he leads with conviction, actively and attentively listens to people, and effectively and promptly accomplishes tasks within his domain. When you speak to Ryan, you feel heard, understood, and appreciated. His passion for the Igloo "family" and his commitment to our rink community is felt each and every day. He is the captain of our ship….he knows how to sail through the calm seas and how to navigate through the rough waters. We can always count on Ryan!

Recently, the Igloo community was shocked and devastated to learn about the wrongful termination of our beloved General Manager, Ryan Van Natten. He has been an integral part of our community, so his dismissal has left us all deeply concerned about the future direction of our cherished Igloo Ice Rink.

We believe that this decision was extremely detrimental to the spirit and functionality of our rink. Ryan's dedication to maintaining high standards at Igloo Ice Rink has been evident in his daily operations and his interactions with everyone who is a part of the Igloo community. Everyone at Igloo knows how passionate he is about figure skating and hockey, and they feel his commitment to the Igloo community.

We are calling upon those responsible for this decision to reconsider their actions. We urge Black Bear Sports Group to consider all of the individuals who will be negatively impacted by Ryan's dismissal. As a united front, we ask you to reinstate Ryan Van Natten as the General Manager so that he is able to continue to contribute to Igloo in a positive and productive fashion and continue to ensure that Igloo Ice Rink remains a safe and welcoming space for all in our skating community.

Please support us by signing this petition. It is important for us to stand together, to advocate for fairness and justice within our skating community, and to support our GM, Ryan Van Natten!