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NJ/NY Hockey Rink Scouting Report

This is my guide for photographers on hockey rinks I've worked as a photographer. My hope is that this will give you an idea of what to expect if you shoot at one of these rinks. Please feel free to add any information you think might be helpful, as well as add more rinks. I don't intend for this to be negative about any of these facilities; it's just meant to give a bit of a scouting report so you know what to expect if you're bringing your camera to any of them. None of these rinks come with photographer openings in the corners unless otherwise noted. Comments welcome!

Bridgewater Sports Arena, Bridgewater, N.J. - I've only shot in one of the two rinks here and only once. That rink was recently updated, and although I was at first taken aback by the yellow lighting, it is uniform and easy to adjust for in post. (I didn't dare try to do it in camera on that visit.) The glass was clean and seemed new when I was there (January 2024). Spectators and photographers are limited to about half the rink, but that includes most of both ends. There is also a balcony for spectators that may give an interesting perspective, but I didn't get a chance to try it. (There was a good crowd there that night.)

Clary Anderson, Montclair, N.J. - One of the trickiest rinks to photograph in because the overhead lighting creates spotlight effects on the ice and white balance settings are tough. The best bet for clean glass is in the corner on the side of the benches, near the exit door. Photographers can move freely around the entire rink, though, as noted, there are limited areas with clean glass. Metal bleachers along one side of the rink. No admission charge for games.

Codey, West Orange, N.J. - This was a practice facility for the Devils and the main rink is what you'd expect for a professional hockey team. The lighting is close to uniform, with some minor variations. Most of the glass is clean, aside from the predictable marks behind both goals. The ice is surrounded by cushioned seating, which of course is mostly empty except for some season-ending tournaments. The lighting in the secondary rink is a little less uniform but still good. Ditto with the glass. Bleachers are on one side of the ice, opposite the benches and the background on the far end of the rink includes several doorsways that are worth keeping in mind while photographing. Photographers can anywhere around the larger rink. On the smaller rink, they sometimes block off the area in front of the Zamboni garage, but that only cuts out a smaller portion for shooting. Modest admission charge, unless you are affiliated with one of the teams or the media.

Ice House, Hackensack, N.J. - The complaint about the Ice House is always the parking, but they've added space at a new garage across the street, which was a huge help. The fee is nominal. There are three rinks here, but one is primarily if not entirely used for public skating and figure skating. The other two rinks are a little on the dark side, but within reasonable ISO range. Both rinks open to glass on one end, which is manageable and can provide a different look in photos. You can move entirely around the middle rink. I have not often shot on the third rink and frankly can't remember if there are restrictions there but will update this the next time I go. One important note: Both rinks are very cold, so come prepared for that. Metal bleachers both inside the rink along the side opposite the benches and outside the glassed windows on one end. Modest admission charge, unless you are affiliated with one of the teams or the media.

Ice Vault, Wayne, N.J. - Three rinks, all with reasonable lighting and glass. Most games are played in rinks two and three and there is access to the glass all the way around. Modest admission charge, unless you are affiliated with one of the teams or the media.

Montclair State University, Montclair, N.J. - Two rinks here, both with reasonable lighting and glass. Access to about half of both rinks, but only one end of each. Modest admission charge, unless you are affiliated with one of the teams or the media. Modest admission charge, unless you are affiliated with one of the teams or the media.

Palisades Center Rink, West Nyack, N.Y. - An unusual spot for a rink: In the upper levels of a mall. It's often used for recreational skating and sometimes games are played with a lot of people around the rink either waiting for public skating or just finishing. I haven't been there in a few years. Back then, the glass was tricky as was the lighting and the people who gathered around the rink made it a little difficult to move around too.

Sport-O-Rama, Monsey, N.Y. - This rink is perpetually denying rumors of its imminent close. It's an older facility and I seem to be in the minority in liking that about the place. It has two rinks, the larger of which is most often used for high school games. It has a plastic(?) curtain that hangs in front of the fairly large bleachers, which can make for some cool lighting in photos. You can get around about three-quarters of the rink, though the side opposite the benches is tough to shoot from because it's an alleyway below the stands. If you know the right people, you might be able to get into the crow's nest above the two benches. I've been up there a couple of times and it's a different perspective, but i only stay for the first period because I don't want to have all my photos from that angle the lighting at the big rink is average and the glass is a little below average for a photographer. The bleachers consist of wood benches. Modest admission charge, unless you are affiliated with one of the teams or the media.

Woodbridge Community Center, Woodbridge, N.J. - There are two rinks located across from each other on Main Street: The Community Center rink and The Club at Woodbridge. Both have good lighting and clean glass.