The third item on my Buffalo Wishlist...
A downtown indoor public ice rink.
Photos: The Depot Ice Rink, Downtown Minneapolis
Scale it down.
Since it was built, the Pepsi Center has struggled to survive financially. The reason is not because it isn't used, but rather the cost involved in simply maintaining the massive facility.
So let's put in one full size rink for hockey, instead of four, and maybe two smaller ones for open skates and other events.
Build it with the help of the Buffalo Sabres
When the Winnipeg Jets moved to Phoenix and became the Coyotes, they helped build the
Alltel Ice Den in Scottsdale. It gave them a place to practice and also provided the community with a smaller venue to discover and learn about hockey.
A downtown ice rink would give the Sabres more practice flexibility when HSBC is busy hosting other events. It would also give them a more intimate environment to host charity events. The Pepsi Center can live without them.
Throw in a satellite Sabres store and pro shop. Maybe a nice upscale restaurant and sports theatre. Round it out with a Sabres Hockey Museum.
Introduce hockey to the Buffalo Public Schools
It really is a shame that an area so passionate about hockey has so few athletic programs to support it. What's worse is the fact that most parents are forced to shuttle their kids out to Amherst in order to participate in it. As far as the city goes, well there aren't many options. I am willing to bet there are plenty of youth in Buffalo that would love to play hockey if given the opportunity.
Let's give them the opportunity.
Designate Saturdays as Hockey Day in Buffalo
Organize weekend tournaments, both youth and adult. Establish leagues and crown champions. Encourage sponsership from local businesses and well as community organizations.
How about a Gus Macker on ice? The Rob Ray Hockey Derby?
Hockeytown?
If Buffalo wants to claim that title, we need to prove we deserve it!
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