GPS Info: Route 146. Northbound side. GPS is accurate. If coming from north you’ll have to loop around (easy to do) or take a quick left on Sayles Hill Rd-Right on Old Smithfield and then north on Eddie Dowling ( Take left at ligts before getting to the rink). Easy
Homerink Info: Providence Capitals, youth groups, public skate, adult leagues
Parking: Excellent. Plenty
Sheets: 2 Sheets
Locker Rooms: Plenty of rooms. Decent sized. Clean
Rink Conditions: Good rink. Great ice.
Overall: We like this rink other than the commute. Decent snack bar, great ice, well run facility. It is on the cold side. Cold scale of 1-10 (10 being the coldest) its right up there at an 8 or so. Lot of parking, easy to get to. Plenty of restaurants within a few minute drive.
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: Yes. Large selection. Skate sharpening offered
Snack Bar: Yes. Good quality, well run
Adult Bar: No
Vending Machine(s): Yes
ATM: Unknown
Arcade: Several video games available (including the claw game).
WiFi: Unknown
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Several. Best ones are in snack bar area. Clean
Quality and quantity: Excellent. One of the better stocked ones we have seen. Just about everything is offered here, including skate repair
Selection: Excellent
Knowledge: Very good
OTHER:
Tailgating: Large parking lot. We have done it before many times for long weekends. Clean up after yourself and we have never had an issue here.
Local attractions: Lot of local places to eat. Nearby is Providence RI. Also for the adults in your party there is the Twin Rivers Casino (www.twinriver.com), the Lincoln Mall or (north on 146) about 20 min away the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley (www.shopsatblackstonevalley.com)
Things to do to kill time: Mall, Casino
Photography at rink: Decent
Other stuff for kids: Arcade, mall, wouldn’t recommend stick handling in the rink. Its frownded upon! We liked getting there a little bit early after a long drive and letting the kids stretch in the parking lot with a game of football or wiffle ball.
GPS Info: Little wonky. GPS for 4 Nonantum takes you about 1/4 mile away. Daly is same side of road as river, marina, athletic fields and boathouses.
Homerink Info: Boston Jr Eagles, local college, public skating
Parking: Can be tough. large lot, but fills fast due to proximity to athletic fields. We’ve had luck doing the drop off and coming out of parking lot headed left and parking by Boat House.
Sheets: 1. Great ice.
Locker Rooms: Several, clean, well maintained and good sized.
Rink Conditions: Clean, well maintained, no frills, but great ice and a very good staff. Viewing is mostly from the boards. Small set of Bleachers, but we never watch from there.
Overall: Good place. Set on the banks of the Charles River. No bones about it, its a cold rink. Scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the coldest) we give this an 8.5. Parking can be tricky, but rink is super easy to get too off of the Mass Pike (or RT 20). In the summer and spring you can watch the local college crew boats rowing by. Running/walking trail loops nearby (about 3 miles). Nice rink, while not a lot of amenities they are probably one of the best skate sharpeners around.
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: No. Skate Rental/Sharpening shop has basics (Tape, mouth guards, laces).
Snack Bar: No
Adult Bar: No
Vending Machine(s): Yes. Snack machine takes cards. Drink machines do not
ATM: Yes. And Change Machine
Arcade: No, 1 fooseball game however
WiFi: No (and Verizon Cell service-our provided-can be non-existent at times).
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): 2 sets (front & back of rink). Older, but clean & well maintained.
Private Rooms: Yes. Does private Birthday parties
Miscellaneous: Nearby is a Dunkins, McDonalds, Ihop, Staples and Package store. Arsenal Mall nearby as well. Close proximity to Warrior Rink, Boston etc. Check out Wild Willies Burgers (about 1.5 miles away). Nice running/walking loop around the Charles River.
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: Yes. Great word of mouth reviews on the quality of sharpening. Heads up…CASH ONLY.
Quality and quantity: Good, but limited….not a Pro shop. Skate Rental shop that sharpens. Has a limited selection of tape, laces and mouth guards. Again, Cash only!
Selection: Small
Knowledge: Excellent. Some of the best skate sharpening around.
OTHER:
Tailgating: We’ve done it before….park near the river. Parking can get tight if busses roll in. Dumpsters nearby for easy of disposal.
Local attractions: Boston, Warrior Rink, Arsenal Mall, running loop.
Things to do to kill time: Mall, run, watch the rowers (scullers?) go by.
Photography at rink: Tough thru the glass.
Other stuff for kids: Athletic fields nearby. shares parking lot. Good for kids to get out and stretch if you had a long ride to this Rink. Trails near by. Mall
GPS Info: Perfect. Easy to get to. Rotary can be a little tricky.
Homerink Info: Charles River Hockey, Boch Blazers, Thayer, Boch Militia. various adult leagues and the HS Preps
Parking: Plenty, both front and side
Sheets: 2 sheets. Full sheet and a 1/2 sheet
Locker Rooms: Good size, clean, well maintained
Rink Conditions: Cold scale on 1-10 (10 being coldest) we give this one a 5..maybe 6. Not too cold to view a game!
Overall: This is a nice, well kept, well maintained rink. Clean, friendly staff and easy to get to. Well lit, good overhead viewing. Good for pictures too. Plenty of “extras” while you are there. One of our more favorite rinks to come to
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: Yes, combined withe snack shop. Small convenience store/snack shop/pro shop all in one. Clean, good selection of quick snacks, drinks and coffee. Small selection of hockey essentials: tape, sticks, laces etc. Skate sharpening available.
Snack Bar: Yes. All quick snacks: chips, drinks, granola bars, power drinks, coffee
Adult Bar: No
Vending Machine(s): Yes. All the machines we saw took Debit cards
ATM: Yes
Arcade: Not separate arcade, but plenty of games in the main lobby. Including the “Claw Game”.
WiFi: Yes-no access code required
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Yes, clean, well maintained
Private Rooms: Yes
Miscellaneous: gym in the facility. 2nd Floor viewing stands are Handicap accessible (elevator available).
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: Yes
Quality and quantity: Good quality, small selection, but just enough
Selection: Good selection of basics.
Knowledge: Very. Very helpful and professional
OTHER:
Tailgating: Doesn’t seem conducive…perhaps around back of the building
Local attractions: Close by to Legacy Place (shops/restaurants) and Patriot Place.
Things to do to kill time: Video games in lobby, public skate on 1/2 sheet, legacy place is nearby. Lots of places to eat on nearby Route 1
Photography at rink: Great. 2nd floor viewing stands provide excellent advantage point
Other stuff for kids: Video games, nearby attractions.
GPS Info: 2130 Providence Highway is Route 1 (This is Route 1 going North). Plenty of opportunities to do a u turn if you pass the rink. Easy rink to get to
Homerink Info: Shamrocks, Walpole Express,
Parking: Plenty
Sheets: 2 sheets. 1 NHL size and 1 Olympic size
Locker Rooms: Small / clean
Rink Conditions: Clean, organized, well care for.
Overall: Lots of tournaments at this rink. Originally built to train the Woman’s Olympic Team. Lots of camps run here too. On the Cold Scale we give it a 6…not too cold. Plus you can warm up in the middle viewing area. Snack bar is solid, but cash only (ATM in lobby). Don’t forget to say hello to Jake the Dog (but don’t feed him!)!!
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: Yes
Snack Bar: Yes. Variety of choices. Debit cards not accepted at Snack bar (ATM in lobby).
Adult Bar: No
Vending Machine(s): Yes in main lobby. Drinks
ATM: Yes
Arcade: Couple of video games, but no arcade per se
WiFi: Yes
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Cold….
Private Rooms: Yes
Miscellaneous: LiveBarn is available
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: Yes
Quality and quantity: Good / Good
Selection: Very decent selection
Knowledge: On target
OTHER:
Tailgating: Done it before. Right side of rink is large parking lot that abuts a small field (good for kid wiffle ball & football!).
Local attractions: 2 miles to Gillette / Patriots Place
Things to do to kill time: Patriots Place
Photography at rink: Good, stands allow good vantage for pics
Other stuff for kids: Patriots Place. Lots of nearby restaurants (within a mile or less…..fast food to high end…all choices)
GPS Info: Continue past 350 Propsect St (Main School Office) to the first Left off of Rotary. This takes you into the rink parking lot. Easy to get to off of Route 2.
Homerink Info: Belmont Hills School Hockey program, Jr Eagles,
Parking: Plenty. Can drop your player off at door and then park
Sheets: 1 sheet. Olympic size. Bring water and snacks for your player after. They will be toast. Good venue to watch the game from balcony above.
Locker Rooms: Decent, clean, usually each team is issued two locker rooms (A & B).
Rink Conditions: Excellent. Cold. Large sheet, very well maintained.
Overall: This is a great venue. Private Boy’s school and it shows. The facilty is large, modern and extremely well maintained. We like this rink a lot for the ice. On a cold scale its about a 7.5 (scale of 1-10 with 10 being the coldest). Downstairs is about an 8. Second floor balcony is around a 7. Good viewing from the balcony. Not much amenities on campus or nearby. Bring your player a snack. its Olympic sized ice and they will be cooked at the end of the game/practice!
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: No
Snack Bar: No
Adult Bar: No (and Belmont is a dry town)
Vending Machine(s): Yes. Snacks, drinks and a coffee vending machine
ATM: No
Arcade: No
WiFi: Yes, public, but never had luck getting on
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Excellent. Large, clean, well stocked and maintained
Private Rooms: N/A
Miscellaneous: Gym upstairs is sometimes open for the teams to warm up/stretch. Attached football/soccer fields provide a good chance to run and stretch too. Running Track right outside rink for those joggers in your group……FYI we see a lot of dogs (on and off leash) in the soccer fields.
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: N/A
Quality and quantity: N/A
Selection: N/A
Knowledge: N/A
OTHER:
Tailgating: Probably not the best place…
Local attractions: Near Boston….but nothing real close to rink for amenities
Things to do to kill time: Be outside
Photography at rink: From 2nd floor balcony its good. bright and open view
Homerink Info: Top Gun, Windham High, Timberland High, Salem NH High
Parking: Plenty, large lots on side and front of rink
Sheets: 2 Sheets. “Olympic” and “NHL” (also reflects size)
Locker Rooms: Good size, always clean. Best entry is thru lower level.
Rink Conditions: Olympic rink has great viewing stands and is reasonable in spectator temp (6.5 on 1-10 scale).
Overall: This is a well run rink. Locker rooms are clean and decent size (lots too). Olympic rink is a great rink to watch a game at. NHL rink has less viewing area and substantially colder. Easy to get to from highway. We like the snack bar, lots of selections and made to order. Bucket o beers will cost you 15bucks for 5.
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: Yes
Snack Bar: Yes, good quality. Has adult beverages available. Can watch game(s) from Snack bar. Large selection of food made to order. Our favorite is the Breakfast Sandwich (bacon, egg and cheese). Excellent.
Adult Bar: Adult beverages at snack bar (beer & wine)
Vending Machine(s): Yes (downstairs)
ATM: ?
Arcade: 4 or 5 Arcade games down stairs (including a “claw” game).
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Clean & large. well stocked
WiFi: Yes. Couldn’t find code to public access however.
Private Rooms: Yes
Miscellaneous: Easy to get to. Dunkins nearby (on way to rink off highway). Also a “Mom & Pop” Breakfast place. Margaritas (mexican restaurant) nearby as well.
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: Yes
Quality and quantity: Good and Good.
Selection: Decent selection of items
Knowledge: Every time we’ve used the pro shop the staff was knowledgeable and friendly
OTHER:
Tailgating: Possible. Haven’t tried it, but plenty of room. Inside snack bar has adult beverages too.
Local attractions: Outlets right up the road
Things to do to kill time: Outlets
Photography at rink: Olympic side is good. low glass, decent lighting
Other stuff for kids: Canobie Lake is nearby (amusement park place)
Parking: Plenty. Lots near the main entrance. Large lot around back of rink with back entrance.
Sheets: 3 full sheets with corresponding locker rooms. Rinks 1, 2 & 3
Locker Rooms: Decent size. Clean, well kept. Maintained regularly. Coaches/Parent must turn in car keys to get locker room key. Locker rooms are usually inspected before you can re-claim your car keys. So have your players pick up their mess….
Rink Conditions: Well run, modern. Rinks 1 & 2 spectator temps are reasonable. 6 on a scale of 1 -10 (10 being the coldest). Rink 3 is COLD! We give it an 8.5!
Overall: Great venue, lots of parking, great staff, decent snack bar and pro shop. Entertainment for the non-hockey members of your entourage. Fairly easy to get to from I95 and Rt 140. Rink is often host to tournaments in Spring and Fall. Well run place.
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: Yes
Snack Bar: Yes. One of the better ones!
Adult Bar: No
Vending Machine(s): Yes. Snack and Beverage
ATM: Yes (in Snack bar)
WiFi: Yes
Arcade: Yes, Decent size
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Small, but clean and well kept
Private Rooms: Yes
Miscellaneous: Live Barn is available here.
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: Yes
Quality and quantity: Yes & yes
Selection: Wide variety
knowledge: Very good
OTHER:
Tailgating: Have tailgated here. Both with and without adult beverages. No issues. Clean up after-yourself.
Local attractions: 3/4 mile from Gillette (Patriots Place). Lots of shops and restuaruants and bars. Package store is about 1/2 mile away. Dunkins nearby as well. Ridgeway Casio nearby. Wrentham Outlets as well (both within 10 min drive). Buffalo Wild Wings nearby. Lots of hotels (name brand and local).
Things to do to kill time: Patriots Place,
Photography at rink: Very Good. Rink 3 is best. New viewing stands gives photographer a good oversight.
Other stuff for kids: Gillette, Arcade, snack bar, Patriots Place
Notes on Getting there: Pretty easy. Near Logan. Behind a residential neighborhood.
Parking: Medium size. linear parking lots near rink. if parking full, drop kid & equipment off and drive over to parking.
Sheets: 1 sheet of ice
Locker Rooms: Medium size. No frills but clean & maintained.
Rink Conditions: Cold. Plenty of bleacher seats. Cold Scale is a 9 (on a scale of 1-10…10 being the coldest).
Overall: Porazzo is a DCR run rink. Older but clean rink. Well cared for. The rink itself is brutally cold. Be prepared for it! The ice is excellent in the winter, but in the fall can be a little soft. The Rink is located right on a State Beach so you have a chance to get out and stretch your legs. Dogs at the beach are welcome. Leash during the in-season off leash thru the winter.
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: No
Snack Bar: Yes. Not always open. Has Coffee, drinks, Fries, Chicken Strips, chips. Takes Debit Cards.
Vending Machine(s): Yes, drinks and snacks
ATM: No
WiFi: Yes, public. Code changes on occasion, posted by snack bar
Name: Canton Sports Center (also listed as TJO Sports Center)
Address: 5 Carver Circle
GPS Info: Same
Home Rink: Jr Terriers, Catholic Memorial Middle School
Parking: Plenty of Parking. At rink, behind rink and in nearby industrial area on weekends (doesn’t seem like there is an issue on weekends)
Sheets: 2 Sheets (“Dog Pound” and “Boneyard”
Locker Rooms: Small to Medium. Same Level for Dog Pound. Boneyard rinks are mostly upstairs.
Rink Conditions: Good ice, well maintained.
Overall: Decent Rink with 2 sheets of ice. Fairly easy to get to. Well run. Snack bar with fantastic pizza. On a cold scale (10 being the coldest) this rink is a solid 8. Viewing area for the “Dog Pound” is upstairs and gets crowded. Viewing area for the “Boneyard” is more crowded-you can go upstairs or stay down in the heated area. Updated. There is a small elevator near the snack bar for access to upper viewing areas.
AMENITIES:
Pro Shop: Yes, small, lot of Terriers paraphernalia.
Snack Bar: Yes. Arguably one of the best pizzas around (no joke!). There is a pizza oven and the Pizza Chef makes a great pie. Slices are availalbe, but you can order a whole pie, just give yourself 30-40 minutes. Other snack options, drinks, coffee etc. Cash only (ATM on property).
Adult Bar: No
Vending Machine(s): Yes (on the Dog Pound side)
ATM: Yes
WiFi: ?
Arcade: No
Bathrooms (non Locker room bathrooms): Upstairs. Small, get a bit dingy after a busy hockey weekend.
Private Rooms: Unk
Miscellaneous: Nearby is Target, a TGIF and Dunkins (1/2 mile away, back towards highway).
PRO SHOP:
Skate sharpening: Unk
Quality and quantity: Unk
Selection: Unk
Knowledge: Unk
OTHER:
Tailgating: Behind the rink is your best option (out of sight, out of mind!).
Local attractions: Off highway, easy to get to. Nearby is large Target, TFIG Fridays and a Dunkins. Close by is an Ikea and a variety of shops & restaurants.
Things to do to kill time: Adults go to TGIF.
Photography at rink: On the Dog Pound side you can get good shots from above. Net does not extend all the way. Lighting can be dim, but usually okay.
