Ridgefield's Wintergarden Annex a Haven for Hockey

The Hockey Annex at the Wintergarden Ice Arena grew out of Bob Cullinan's desire to leave Wall Street behind and spend more time with his family.

A broker for 20 years, Cullinan made the break in 2006. Then in late 2008, when he was trying to decide what to do with his newly found free time, Cullinan was approached by  the owner of the Wintergarden Ice Arena. 

He was asked to take over the arena's hockey equipment shop.

"I thought about it and figured, 'Hey, my three boys are there all the time playing for the Ridgefield Amateur Hockey Association," he said. "My wife is there with the boys, and a lot of our friends are there with their kids every day, so why not.'"

It was an opportunity for Cullinan  to see his family more often and also become more involved in the community. 

"I grew up near Schenectady, N.Y., around hockey and though I only played pond hockey, I really enjoy the sport," Cullinan said. "I'm a lifelong New York Rangers fan and participating in some way in the game seemed really appealing."

Cullinan will present the  Wintergarden Hockey Cup to the winner of the third annual game between Ridgefield  and Wilton, which will be played in January. The Tigers have won the first two meetings, 9-2 in 2009 and 6-1 last season.

The Hockey Annex supplies customers with hockey equipment, along with new and used skates, helmets, and customized Ridgefield Lions'  jerseys. It also offers pants, shin and elbow pads, figure skates, sticks, tape, skate-sharpening equipment repair kits and other related hockey paraphernalia.

For information about the Hockey Annex, visit Cullinan's website at www.thehockeyannex.com. He also can be reached via email at bob@thehockeyannex.com or by phone at 203-438-1500.