I got over to Storrs this morning to have a look at the new UConn rink.
  It is not officially open yet,  but they have been skating there for a
couple or three weeks now.   Let's just say that they are in an advanced
stage of completion right now,  with the contractors probably knocking off
punch list items on a daily basis.   The official opening is scheduled for
next Saturday with a game against former ECAC East travel partner AIC.
  It's appropriate that Gary Wright's team should be part of the first
game.
 
        I walked inside and my first impression was "Wow!!!"   Spacious,  very
very bright,  very comfortable.   I took some liberties and walked around
several places explicitly cordoned off from the public.  I sat in the
stands and let the ambiance wash over me.   A Columbia youth hockey team
was practicing.     A fair amount of on-ice noise got over the glass,
 which was good.   This new building has an immediate comfortable feel to
it.   Just the right temperature too.   (We'll see if that holds up after
they get a crowd in it,  and in the summer.)
 
        The things that really strike a person familiar with the old facility are
the spaciousness,  the bright lighting,  all the floor space in the
ancillary areas.   The overall layout.   I am sure that was no accident.
  The plan was probably iterated a hundreds of times by the coaches and the
Athletic Department to obtain the ultimate in functionality.   It just has
a great feel to it.   Really comfortable,  and the perfect size for the
program as it stands now.
 
        All that being said,  I am sure that UConn is going to take some flak (if
they haven't taken some already) about the exterior architecture.
  Actually the lack of exterior architecture,  to be precise.   To be fair,
 the landscaping looks like it may not be completely in place,  and if so
that should make a difference.   But the irony of replacing a classical New
England farm house / warming house and an Eero Sarinen designed roof with
this structure will not be lost on those who worry about such things.  The
book "From Bauhaus to Our House" came immediately to mind at first sight
although I was never able to get many pages into it.   I am also sure that
some,  (a curmudgeonly friend of mine in particular),  are going to grouse
too about the lack of a fireplace in the public room as a tip of the hat to
old times.   Picky,  picky.
 
        I am getting wrapped up in minutia here,  though.   At the ten thousand
foot level,  away from the forest in order to see the trees,  this is one
great building.   Super feel to it inside.   Just very comfortable too.
  Everyone in central and eastern Connecticut should come out and join in
the celebration next Saturday night and wish Bruce Marshall and his team
well as they embark on a new era.   The waiting is over,  Bruce.
 
        -- Dick Tuthill
 
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