When the group calling itself the Kingsbridge National Ice Center — with its ties to famous partners like ex-Rangers star Mark Messier and deep pockets — first began promoting its grand vision to create the greatest ice hockey complex in the history of frozen water, Bronx Councilman Fernando Cabrera seemed to be receptive to the idea.

In fact, he said the center, which would include nine ice rinks and a 5,000-seat arena, could be the “Yankee Stadium of the ice world.”

But now, according to two reliable sources who weren’t authorized to speak on the record, Cabrera isn’t sure the ice center plan would be the best idea for the community. And now, a new, mixed-use alternative with a creative vision for the Armory’s usage has emerged.

KNIC says it will not need public subsidies, which would hamper efforts to get community benefits out of the project. That’s exactly what Cabrera is afraid of: that the project won’t benefit the community.

KNIC has said it wants to build a school and have low-cost youth after-school programs, but Cabrera is said to be skeptical about their ability to pull those kinds of community benefits off.

The school plan would be contingent on the National Guard moving out of the Armory’s annex buildings, which has proved extremely difficult despite widespread support for it to happen. And the youth program would require a steady stream of funding that the developers may or may not be willing or able to provide.

Cabrera would not address the ice center plan specifically, but he also didn’t deny his skepticism.

A spokesperson for Cabrera said, “The councilman is looking to support the project with the greatest benefit to the community.”

Meanwhile, a KNIC competitor has emerged as an alternative that would offer a more diverse array of programming at the Armory. Young Woo, a West Village firm that built the Chelsea Arts Tower, submitted a proposal that would turn the Armory into a mixed-use facility that would include a movie theater, some retail options, sports and recreational facilities, a business incubator and a market to showcase local artisans.

“Young Woo & Associates was extremely proud to submit a proposal…for a Kingsbridge Armory redevelopment initiative that we believe will respect and build on the history, culture and diversity of the Bronx,” Young Woo’s Margaret Lee told the Daily News.

Editor’s note: A version of this story appears in the May 17-30 print edition of the Norwood News.