BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Steel Ice Center, which bills itself as “the premier ice-skating facility in the Lehigh Valley,” has been sold for $6.47 million, according to Northampton County records.

Keith Krem is chief operating officer of the new management team, running day-to-day operations. He said hockey players and skaters will not notice any changes under the new ownership of the 320 E. 1st St. facility in South Bethlehem.

“This is a good solid business,” Krem said during a phone interview Tuesday. “We bought it because it is a good successful business.”

Partners in the business are Eric and Casey Bus, who acquired the building. Former owner Tommy Schantz was ready for new ventures after 20 years at the Ice Center, which opened in 2004.

“This building is in as good a shape as it’s ever been,” Krem said of Steel Ice. “The timing was right, with Tommy wanting to move on.”

Krem has spent many years coaching hockey. He is also vice president of hockey operations for Lehigh Valley Phantoms Youth.

He said the center has played a role in promoting hockey in the region.

“Over the last 10 years, the number that we like to quote is, we’ve gone from 275 athletes to right about 500 athletes,” making Phantoms Youth one of the largest hockey organizations in Pennsylvania.

The Phantom Youth are partners with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

The property covers 3.6 acres. Steel Ice has two National Hockey League-size surfaces, locker rooms, a pro shop, snack bar and party rooms. The site is also home to the Steel Pub, a full-service restaurant and bar. 

“This is a great place to skate and to learn to play hockey,” Krem said. The Ice Center also has times set aside for public skating.

“This is a great facility, and we will be working on improving this business every day,” Krem said.