Community Partner Spotlight: Magical Celebration Inc.
How one hockey family turned their love for the rink into a meaningful community partnership.
For the Barna family, weekends often revolve around Montclair State University Ice Arena.
Between youth hockey practices, games, and time spent with fellow hockey families, the arena has become much more than a place to skate. It’s where Audrey and Benjamin are building confidence, learning life lessons, and creating friendships that extend well beyond the rink.
That’s why, when Yihua Barna had the opportunity to support the arena through her business, Magical Celebration Inc., the decision was an easy one.
Her story perfectly captures what community partnerships at Montclair State University Ice Arena are all about: local businesses supporting the places that make a difference in the lives of local families.
“Because our family practically lives at the rink, partnering with the arena felt incredibly authentic. It is a privilege to invest back into the exact same space that invests so much time and energy into Audrey, Benjamin, and their peers.”
Bringing Celebrations to Life
Yihua is the owner of Magical Celebration Inc., a professional event design and balloon architecture company specializing in corporate events, milestone celebrations, grand openings, school functions, and private parties.
From elegant balloon installations and custom backdrops to personalized event décor, every design is thoughtfully created to reflect each client’s vision and transform ordinary spaces into unforgettable experiences.
While her professional background is in accounting and auditing, Yihua always had a creative side. She founded Magical Celebration to combine organization, attention to detail, and creativity into a business focused on helping people celebrate life’s biggest moments.
Today, her work is centered on creating experiences that families, organizations, and businesses will remember long after the event has ended.
A Second Home for Hockey
Like many families in Northern New Jersey, the Barnas found Montclair State University Ice Arena through their children’s growing interest in skating and hockey.
Today, Audrey, who is entering third grade, and Benjamin, who is entering kindergarten, are active participants in the arena’s youth hockey programs.
For Yihua, the arena has become much more than a sports facility.
It’s where her children have learned resilience, teamwork, discipline, and confidence while developing a genuine love for the game.
“The arena has been incredibly foundational for them. It serves as a second home where they aren’t just learning how to skate or handle a puck; they are learning invaluable life lessons about resilience, teamwork, and discipline.”
Like many hockey parents, Yihua says it’s the people who make the experience so special.
Supportive coaches, dedicated staff, welcoming families, and a strong sense of community have made the arena a place her family genuinely enjoys returning to week after week.
The friendships built through youth hockey have also become an important part of family life, creating a network of parents who celebrate victories, support one another, and share countless early mornings and busy weekends together.
Investing in the Community
As both a hockey parent and local business owner, sponsoring the arena was about much more than increasing visibility for Magical Celebration.
It was an opportunity to give back to a place that has given so much to her own family.
Yihua believes community partnerships play an important role in helping facilities like Montclair State University Ice Arena continue to grow while creating opportunities for future generations of athletes and families.
When local businesses invest in community spaces, everyone benefits. The arena continues to provide quality programs and experiences, while businesses build authentic relationships with the families and organizations they serve.
That philosophy guides both her business and her personal life.
“Community involvement is about leaving a place a little brighter and more supported than you found it.”
It’s a simple idea, but one that perfectly reflects the spirit of Montclair State University Ice Arena and the partnerships that help make it thrive.
More Than Advertising
Partnerships at Montclair State University Ice Arena are about much more than logos and signage.
They’re about supporting youth hockey, figure skating, Learn to Skate, public skating, and the countless experiences that bring families together throughout the year.
Businesses like Magical Celebration aren’t simply advertising their services. They’re investing in a community they believe in and helping ensure the arena remains a place where athletes, families, and friends continue to create lifelong memories.
We’re proud to recognize Yihua Barna and Magical Celebration Inc. as one of our valued community partners and thank them for helping strengthen the Montclair State University Ice Arena community, both on and off the ice.
Interested in Becoming a Community Partner?
Every partnership helps create opportunities for athletes, families, and our community while connecting local businesses with one of Northern New Jersey’s most active recreation destinations.
Learn more about partnership opportunities at Montclair State University Ice Arena or contact us to start the conversation.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, welcoming a new baby, hosting a corporate event, or planning a milestone occasion, Yihua and the team at Magical Celebration Inc. specialize in creating one-of-a-kind event designs tailored to your vision.
