Where does the proverb See you on the ice originate from?

My Grandfather, who died just last month (Dec 2008) always used to say "See you on the ice". He served in the Navy during WW2, crossing the Arctic circle on a minesweeper in the Russian Convoys. I have come to believe that it is something to do with his time on this mission as ice would often form on the ships deck. It comes from British comedian Tony Hancock (12/05/1924 - 24/6/68) of the Hancock Half Hour After, what he believed was his finest and insurmountable piece of work, he was quoted saying "see you on the ice". A humorous reference, 'On Ice' being the last stage for stories at the time, often after they had reached their peak. Disney on Ice? When you have reached your peak, there is no where else to go but on the ice.