New England Sports Center
Encyclopedia
Located at 121 Donald Lynch Boulevard in Marlborough, Massachusetts
, the New England Sports Center is a two-story, six-rink ice-skating facility located on 22.3 acres (90,245 m²) of suburban land. The 188588 square feet (17,520.4 m²) building has 50 locker rooms, a hockey pro shop, ice skate sharpening, ice skate rentals, a fitness center, function rooms, a full-service restaurant, and a snack bar. Host to the Haydenettes
, home to the Skating Club of Boston Metrowest
, the Minuteman Flames
, the Junior Bruins, and Becker College hockey teams, the New England Sports Center is noteworthy for having more ice-skating surfaces than any other arena in the New England area.
. and founder of ATC Corporation The current facility manager is Wesley Tuttle, who served as Operations Manager for the 1991 Central Massachusetts Arenas Co., and who has served as the manger for the New England Sports Center since its opening in 1994.
In the past, the rink has served as a practice rink for Olympic medal winners Ilia Kulik
, Evgeny Platov
, and Pasha Grishuk.
The proximity to Worcester
and the regular availability of ice time makes the New England Sports Center an alternate practice area for the AHL
Worcester Sharks
.
The New England Sports Center has hosted the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association annual Garrett Reagan High School Hockey Summit since 2008 (the Hockey Summit pits as many as sixty high school teams against each other in 30-minute mini-games).
The 2003 USA Hockey Tier III Junior National Championship were held at the New England Sports Center, as were the 2008, and 2009 championships. The 2010 championship were held there in March 2010.
and the 2008 International Standing Amputee divisional match-up, part of the Annual USA Disabled Festival, described as "...the largest disabled hockey event ever..." by Dr. David Crandell, president of the American Amputee Hockey Association. Thirty-four teams were present during the 2008 event, representing the four divisions of USA Hockey's disabled section - sled hockey, special hockey, hard of hearing or deaf, and standing amputee.
"...I still get inspired by it myself," said festival co-chairman Rick Fask. "People who have never seen disabled athletes perform at this level, it's inspiring. It should say to a lot of people that whatever ability you have, you can accomplish it all. We hope that the impact on the community is more awareness for any disability. That's what we hope to get out of it."
" ... (i)t's a great boon for the community," said Arthur Vigeant, president of the Marlborough City Council. "The hotel rooms and the restaurants are filled when (the New England Sports Center) has one of (their) big tournaments."
chilled to between 18 °F (-7.8 °C) and 20 °F (-6.7 °C) loops between the skating surfaces and an anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system.
The compressor system in use at the New England Sports Center consists of two "sleds", each of which consists of three compressors. The compressors (a total of six) are Cimco Lewis 300 hp model C6-WO6A compressors. There are two evaporative cooling towers at the rear of the building. The evaporative cooling towers are Evapco model LSCA430; the towers were replaced for the first time in August 2009.
In simple terms, the ammonia portion of the system functions like an oversized household refrigerator. The brine passes through the "refrigerator" and is cooled to well below the freezing point of fresh water - but the brine does not freeze because it's not fresh water, it's salt water (calcium chloride as opposed to the more commonly known sodium chloride).
When the ammonia in the refrigeration loop is compressed, energy is released in the form of heat. When the ammonia is allowed to expand, heat is absorbed from the brine loop. The cold brine (now at 18 °F (-7.8 °C) to 20 °F) is circulated under the concrete rink floor.
Counter-intuituvely, hot water (typically 150 °F (65.6 °C) to 160 °F) is used to make new ice. Hot water has a lower oxygen content, and makes clearer, harder ice. The hot water also flows better across the frozen surface, smoothing gouges and filling holes. The ice-making water is untreated City of Marlborough tap water.
In an effort to save energy, the New England Sports Center recycles not water (which would be unsanitary), but heat. The tap water is heated in part by natural gas and in part by the heat released during the compression of the anhydrous ammonia. When the Zamboni
ice resurfacer makes a sheet of ice, a quantity of ice shavings are cut from the surface of the ice. Prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer system, the melted ice shavings are used to help chill the water which flows into the evaporation towers to cool the anhydrous ammonia.
area.
began operating out of the rink, teaching learn-to-skate classes as well as advanced figure skating tutoring. Team Excel, the synchronized skating team associated with the Skating Club of Boston and coached by Merita Mullen, practices at the New England Sports Center on a weekly basis.
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Marlborough is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 38,499 at the 2010 census. Marlborough became a prosperous industrial town in the 19th century and made the transition to high technology industry in the late 20th century after the construction of the...
, the New England Sports Center is a two-story, six-rink ice-skating facility located on 22.3 acres (90,245 m²) of suburban land. The 188588 square feet (17,520.4 m²) building has 50 locker rooms, a hockey pro shop, ice skate sharpening, ice skate rentals, a fitness center, function rooms, a full-service restaurant, and a snack bar. Host to the Haydenettes
Haydenettes
The Haydenettes are a Synchronized skating team that won the bronze medal at the 2010 and 2011 World Synchronized Skating Championships. Formed in 1979 by Lynn Benson, the Haydenettes are the most successful synchronized skating team in U.S. history, with 19 U.S...
, home to the Skating Club of Boston Metrowest
Skating Club of Boston
The Skating Club of Boston is a figure skating club based in Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 1912, it is one of the oldest skating clubs in the United States, predating the formation of U.S. Figure Skating. The club owns its own rink in Brighton, Massachusetts, built in 1938.-Club activities:An...
, the Minuteman Flames
Eastern Hockey Federation
The Eastern Hockey Federation is an independent American Youth Minor ice hockey league. Established in early 2004, when the Bay State Breakers, Boston Jr. Eagles, Boston Jr...
, the Junior Bruins, and Becker College hockey teams, the New England Sports Center is noteworthy for having more ice-skating surfaces than any other arena in the New England area.
History
Construction of the original four rinks of the New England Sports Center on previously undeveloped land was completed in November 1994. An additional, fifth, rink was completed in September 2004, and a sixth rink was completed in December 2010.Management
The facility was constructed at the direction of and is owned by Mr. Larue Renfroe, current owner of the AHL Providence BruinsProvidence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...
. and founder of ATC Corporation The current facility manager is Wesley Tuttle, who served as Operations Manager for the 1991 Central Massachusetts Arenas Co., and who has served as the manger for the New England Sports Center since its opening in 1994.
Events and alumni
Because the New England Sports Center has six ice surfaces, it has the ability to host larger organizations and has hosted events of national and international importance, as well as playing host to Olympic figure-skating hopefuls and hockey players of all ages and abilities.In the past, the rink has served as a practice rink for Olympic medal winners Ilia Kulik
Ilia Kulik
Ilia Alexandrovich Kulik is a Russian figure skater. He is the 1998 Olympic Champion, the 1995 European Champion, the 1997–1998 Grand Prix Final champion, and the 1995 World Junior champion.- Career :...
, Evgeny Platov
Evgeny Platov
Evgeny Arkadievich Platov is a Russian former ice dancer. He is best known for his partnership with Oksana Grishuk from 1989–1998...
, and Pasha Grishuk.
The proximity to Worcester
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
and the regular availability of ice time makes the New England Sports Center an alternate practice area for the AHL
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
Worcester Sharks
Worcester Sharks
The Worcester Sharks are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . The franchise is located in Worcester, Massachusetts and play their home games at the DCU Center in Downtown Worcester. The Sharks and the city of Worcester hosted the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic.-History:On...
.
The New England Sports Center has hosted the Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association annual Garrett Reagan High School Hockey Summit since 2008 (the Hockey Summit pits as many as sixty high school teams against each other in 30-minute mini-games).
The 2003 USA Hockey Tier III Junior National Championship were held at the New England Sports Center, as were the 2008, and 2009 championships. The 2010 championship were held there in March 2010.
Disabled hockey
The New England Sports Center hosted the 2008 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships2008 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships
The 4th IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships was held between March 29, 2008 and April 5, 2008 in Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA. The venue were the New England Sports Center...
and the 2008 International Standing Amputee divisional match-up, part of the Annual USA Disabled Festival, described as "...the largest disabled hockey event ever..." by Dr. David Crandell, president of the American Amputee Hockey Association. Thirty-four teams were present during the 2008 event, representing the four divisions of USA Hockey's disabled section - sled hockey, special hockey, hard of hearing or deaf, and standing amputee.
"...I still get inspired by it myself," said festival co-chairman Rick Fask. "People who have never seen disabled athletes perform at this level, it's inspiring. It should say to a lot of people that whatever ability you have, you can accomplish it all. We hope that the impact on the community is more awareness for any disability. That's what we hope to get out of it."
Economic contribution
The New England Sports Center has been described by the Chamber of Commerce as " ... one of the greatest economic contributors for the businesses in this region ... " to the hospitality industry, with economic benefits accruing to the " ... local hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and gas stations ... "." ... (i)t's a great boon for the community," said Arthur Vigeant, president of the Marlborough City Council. "The hotel rooms and the restaurants are filled when (the New England Sports Center) has one of (their) big tournaments."
Facility operation
The New England Sports Center is principally an ice-skating facility, and most operational aspects center on ice-making and air conditioning.Refrigeration system
The New England Sports Center uses a brine/ammonia indirect refrigeration system to cool the concrete surface underlying the skating surface. BrineBrine
Brine is water, saturated or nearly saturated with salt .Brine is used to preserve vegetables, fruit, fish, and meat, in a process known as brining . Brine is also commonly used to age Halloumi and Feta cheeses, or for pickling foodstuffs, as a means of preserving them...
chilled to between 18 °F (-7.8 °C) and 20 °F (-6.7 °C) loops between the skating surfaces and an anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system.
The compressor system in use at the New England Sports Center consists of two "sleds", each of which consists of three compressors. The compressors (a total of six) are Cimco Lewis 300 hp model C6-WO6A compressors. There are two evaporative cooling towers at the rear of the building. The evaporative cooling towers are Evapco model LSCA430; the towers were replaced for the first time in August 2009.
In simple terms, the ammonia portion of the system functions like an oversized household refrigerator. The brine passes through the "refrigerator" and is cooled to well below the freezing point of fresh water - but the brine does not freeze because it's not fresh water, it's salt water (calcium chloride as opposed to the more commonly known sodium chloride).
When the ammonia in the refrigeration loop is compressed, energy is released in the form of heat. When the ammonia is allowed to expand, heat is absorbed from the brine loop. The cold brine (now at 18 °F (-7.8 °C) to 20 °F) is circulated under the concrete rink floor.
Counter-intuituvely, hot water (typically 150 °F (65.6 °C) to 160 °F) is used to make new ice. Hot water has a lower oxygen content, and makes clearer, harder ice. The hot water also flows better across the frozen surface, smoothing gouges and filling holes. The ice-making water is untreated City of Marlborough tap water.
In an effort to save energy, the New England Sports Center recycles not water (which would be unsanitary), but heat. The tap water is heated in part by natural gas and in part by the heat released during the compression of the anhydrous ammonia. When the Zamboni
Ice resurfacer
An ice resurfacer is a truck-like vehicle or smaller device used to clean and smooth the surface of an ice rink. The first ice resurfacer was developed by Frank J. Zamboni in 1949 in the city of Paramount, California...
ice resurfacer makes a sheet of ice, a quantity of ice shavings are cut from the surface of the ice. Prior to discharge to the sanitary sewer system, the melted ice shavings are used to help chill the water which flows into the evaporation towers to cool the anhydrous ammonia.
Resurfacers
The New England Sports Center uses battery-powered Zamboni model 552 ice resurfacers. There are currently seven machines at the facility, four of which are in use at any one time while the remaining two re-charge. The endurance of the machines varies, but a fully charged Zamboni model 552 can be expected to make between 10 and 12 sheets of ice before requiring a recharge.Food service
The New England Sports Center has two food service areas. The primary food service area functions during normal working hours and offers typical fast-food fare such as burgers and pizzas, as well as fresh salads, soups, coffee, soft drinks and fruit juices. On-site catering for special events is also available. The satellite food service area focuses on snacks, and is only open during high-traffic events such as high school hockey games. Alcohol is available (except during high school games), but can only be consumed in the restaurant area.Function room
The New England Sports Center has a large, carpeted, glass-wall function room located on the second floor between Rink 2 and Rink 5. This space has been utilized in the past for seminars, physical exercise and stretching, semi-formal events, business meetings, and as a scoutingScout (sport)
In professional sports, scouts are trained talent evaluators who travel extensively for the purposes of watching athletes play their chosen sports and determining whether their set of skills and talents represent what is needed by the scout's organization...
area.
New England Figure Skating Club
The New England Figure Skating Club (NEFSC) served as the focus for figure-skating activities at the New England Sports Center until it disbanded in 2009.Skating Club of Boston
Following the departure of the New England Figure Skating Club, the Skating Club of Boston MetrowestSkating Club of Boston
The Skating Club of Boston is a figure skating club based in Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 1912, it is one of the oldest skating clubs in the United States, predating the formation of U.S. Figure Skating. The club owns its own rink in Brighton, Massachusetts, built in 1938.-Club activities:An...
began operating out of the rink, teaching learn-to-skate classes as well as advanced figure skating tutoring. Team Excel, the synchronized skating team associated with the Skating Club of Boston and coached by Merita Mullen, practices at the New England Sports Center on a weekly basis.