Enjoy the thread about old rinks.  At time I am nostalgic about them.
However . . . . . As a UNH fan, I do not miss Snively Arena and its 3
urinal, 2 stall mens room, the interminable line for a hot chocolate, the
difficulty of moving around between periods, and, especially, the high
school gym seats. I don't miss ice cold Watson Rink, although the Bright
Center isn't much warmer. I don't miss the old Boston Arena with the oval
shaped corners where dump in passes would come out right in front of the
net or McHugh Forum where you felt like you were sitting on a concrete
sidewalk, wedged down in the corner by the Zamboni.
 
It's great to reminisce about these old places, I know some old timers at
UNH who recall fondly the outdoor rink which was in front of where Snively
was built.  But ask them if they would want to stand out there now and
watch a game.  I don't think so.
 
Many of us decry the lack of recognition for our sport and how it gets no
respect.  It is clear now that there is a solid fan base, growing every
year and feeding the need to hold the NCAA's at larger and larger venues.
It's only 11 years ago (1988) that the tourament was held at Lake Placid.
Now even a place like the Providence Civic Center (13,000+) is thought by
some to be too small.
 
You can't have it both ways.  College hockey may not be like "squeakball"
but it also not just a sport with a cult following either.  The days of the
Broadmoor are over!
 
Greg Ambrose
 
P.S.  Matthews is a great place to watch a game, but only from the lower
level and the first two rows of the balcony.  Anything beyond that, you
cannot see half the ice.  Try it.
 
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