North Providence Arena

The North Providence Arena is a former indoor hockey arena located in North Providence, Rhode Island. The arena was opened in late 1973. The arena was intended to be a game changer for high school hockey in the state as previously there was only six other rinks (Rhode Island Auditorium, Meehan Auditorium (both in Providence), Ice Bowl (on Providence/Cranston line), Levy Rink (Burrillville), Brother Adelard Arena in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and the St. George's School Ice Rink (Middletown) in the state with an additional outdoor rink located in near by Seekonk, Massachusetts.
The arena was beset with problems from the beginning as the town's Solictor was a silent partner in the rink, which was a conflict of interest as it was not revealed until 1977. The cost of electricity going through the roof due to two oil embargoes as well as other rising cost. The rink would close in March of 1979 and be sold at auction with it being converted to a roller skating rink known as Super Skates which opened in February 1980. The roller rink would close in August of 1981. The town then purchased the land an it was converted into a library and fitness center.
The most well known of players to grow up through the hockey ranks in the arena was Clark Donatelli who was a two time United States men's ice hockey team captain at the Winter Olympics.
==Source/Further Reading==
*RIHHOF website article on rink
Category:Indoor ice hockey venues in Rhode Island