Rink Stories

A hockey dad's exotic journey to cold and stinky places

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‪Photos of the Lake Placid ice venues used for 1932 and 1980 Olympics. Thanks to @clivehiggins for sending them along!‬ (at Lake Placid, New York)

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‪No ice at @ConneryRink in Lynn. Off-season maintenance underway. Interesting that the lines etc are painted directly on the concrete, as opposed to atop the first layer of ice. ‬

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‪No skating at the @FrogPondBoston (last day to skate was in March), but a lovely sight nonetheless ‬

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Youth hockey dads catching the @NHLBruins big win over #Tampa at the famous Top Gun Grille. #salemnh #icenter (at The Icenter)

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...Hallenborg rink recognizes the heartbreak of Billerica Memorial HS hockey: #6 Ralph Hallenborg, #4 Jeff Dunakin and #5 Mike Donovan all died as teenagers. The scoreboard is dedicated to former team captain and MVP Gerald J Jacobs, who passed away in 2011 at age 22. #billericahockey #bmhs #billerica #youthhockey (at Hallenborg Ice Pavilion)

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...The Hallenborg rink was built shortly after the 1972 death of its namesake, Ralph Hallenborg, in an automobile accident. As a 17 year old junior defenseman for Billerica Memorial HS, Hallenborg's talent and playing style drew pro scouts and prompted comparisons to Bobby Orr... #hallenborg #billericahockey #bmhs #billerica #youthhockey (at Hallenborg Ice Pavilion)

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Hallenborg Ice Pavilion, on the campus of Billerica (MA) Memorial HS, is a warm and immaculate single rink. Overhead, we find fresh insulation, installed after a 2017 fire. Note the lovely open gable roof and bleachers, both Norwegian wood. The remodeled restrooms are a joy.... #billericahockey #bmhs #hallenborg #youthhockey #billerica (at Hallenborg Ice Pavilion)

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TC’s Training Center in North Billerica MA is a multi-sport facility that includes 2 miniature synthetic rinks, along with indoor set-ups for other sports. Pretty cool place - I think Griffin will use the batting cages after hockey practice is over. #northbillerica #hockey (at TC's Training Center)

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Me: Look, they have a Hooters here. Wife: How about that.... Me: I wonder if that means there’s a rink nearby? Wife: Like, Hockey Town of Cancun? Me: Yeah! Wife: You’re an idiot. #cancun #hooters #hockeyinmexico #cozumel (at Cozumel, Mexico)

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With Porrazzo Rink across the way in East Boston, we lift off for a Florida family vacation. #porrazzo #hockey #jetblue #disneycruise (at Boston Logan International Airport)

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#sticksoutforhumboldt (at Marblehead, Massachusetts)

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‪The Rynx in Hauppage NY is a twin rink and recreation center. It is a commercial enterprise started in 1992 on the 97-acre Hidden Pond Park. On my visit, pure tourism on a work trip, 2 HS playoff games were going on, coincidentally one involving son of colleague @suzsquil in net‬. #rynx #hauppauge #hockey (at The Rinx)

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The Canton Sports Plex in Canton MA is home to Jr Terriers hockey, with rinks called Dog Pound and Boneyard. Little history is available, but it seems the 2nd rink was added in 2012, and a roof collapse (snow) occurred in 2015. People love the pizza here. No plaques found. (at Canton Sports Plex)

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The Canton Sports Plex in Canton MA is home to Jr Terriers hockey, with rinks called Dog Pound and Boneyard. Little history is available, but it seems the 2nd rink was added in 2012, and a roof collapse (snow) occurred in 2015. People love the pizza here. No plaques found. #cantonma #cantonsportsplex #tjosports #fedhockey #jrterriers (at Canton Sports Plex)

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As a fan of the @NJDevils in the 90s, I only knew Lou Lamoriello as a GM. Now as I tour the rinks, I learn of his legend at Providence College, as a player, coach, and AD. He helped found Hockey East and is the namesake of its championship trophy, permanently housed @tdgarden #loulamoriello #providencecollege #hockeyeast #tdgarden (at Schneider Arena)

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Wife: What are you doing? Me: I’m resurfacing the kitchen floor. Wife: I can see that. Why aren’t you applying the polyurethane with the grain of the wood? Me: I think it’s more efficient to do it this way. Wife: Like a Zamboni? Me: Yeah! Wife: You’re an idiot. (at Marblehead, Massachusetts)

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At Marblehead High School, there is no rink, but nestled between the field house and the cafeteria is the H. Hunter Craig IV Hall of Fame Trophy Case. A 2011 State champ hockey trophy sits in the dusty overflow area, not far from Shalane Flanagan’s 2008 Olympic warm up jacket. #marbleheadhighschool #shalaneflanagan #marblehead #hockey #friendsofmarbleheadhockey (at Marblehead High School)