OT: Outdoor Hockey rinks in Boston/Cambridge (sticks allowed)

[habtastic]

Hey guys,

Obviously posting here with respect and good wishes for the Bs, as much as is possible - really hoping you guys make the playoffs with the leafs and others nipping at your heels. That said, Habs will have to stop playing .500 hockey too to stay in a good spot. Sucks for both of us to get shutout by the Isles and Wings respectively. Listless afternoon hockey. Looking forward to the all-star break.

Anyway, most of you would be very knowledgeable about this topic. I've already asked a couple of buddies from around here for both rink info and equipment/sharpening shops. Seems like one has to get out to Medford to find a good hockey store, even if it's for top ups like tape. Is that correct? Are there any good stores in Boston itself?

More importantly, does anyone know of any good outdoor rinks with nets, where you're allowed to shoot the puck around? Every rink seems to be family-oriented with no sticks/pucks allowed. I'm guessing there's shinny and pickup somewhere, despite the non-winter weather we've been having.

All the most popular outdoor rinks seem to be for kids, and just skating in a circle. (And of course, no nets.) Looking to get out on some ice and taking some slappers. I know there are official rink programs, in fact, i'm in a stinky socks league starting next week, but that's all paid and structured.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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[DarrenBanks56]

id love to know where some outdoor rinks are too.

you would think there would be alot in mass.

my town princeton has a rink they make each year. no boards but they leave 2 regulation nets out. its about 100x40 feet.

i usually play on that.

in hudson mass they used to flood the street hockey rink there but i think they keep it as street hockey all year now. like leominster.

 

[Patrice37]

With sticks? I would say almost none. Any outdoor rink around Boston is almost strictly no sticks. You'd be better off finding a frozen pond which given the weather recently, is unlikely

 

[Seidenbergy]

Too much liability for most towns I would think.

 

[HockeyMomx2]

Hey guys,

Obviously posting here with respect and good wishes for the Bs, as much as is possible - really hoping you guys make the playoffs with the leafs and others nipping at your heels. That said, Habs will have to stop playing .500 hockey too to stay in a good spot. Sucks for both of us to get shutout by the Isles and Wings respectively. Listless afternoon hockey. Looking forward to the all-star break.

Anyway, most of you would be very knowledgeable about this topic. I've already asked a couple of buddies from around here for both rink info and equipment/sharpening shops. Seems like one has to get out to Medford to find a good hockey store, even if it's for top ups like tape. Is that correct? Are there any good stores in Boston itself?

More importantly, does anyone know of any good outdoor rinks with nets, where you're allowed to shoot the puck around? Every rink seems to be family-oriented with no sticks/pucks allowed. I'm guessing there's shinny and pickup somewhere, despite the non-winter weather we've been having.

All the most popular outdoor rinks seem to be for kids, and just skating in a circle. (And of course, no nets.) Looking to get out on some ice and taking some slappers. I know there are official rink programs, in fact, i'm in a stinky socks league starting next week, but that's all paid and structured.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

the 25 years I spent in MA with my family of hockey players they never used any of the official "out door rinks" unless they happened to be one of the fortunate few to play on Frozen Fenway (1 out of 3 has in fact played a couple games there which was cool). It's ponds or bust here. Bring your shovel. Bring your skates, pucks, sticks and gloves, grab some tree branches for goal designations and have at it. We have so many ponds and small lakes in the area that there's really no need for one being regulated and actually costs money to use. Some years are better than others, warm winters make for very little pond skating, but the cold ones, those are some of the best winters ever.

 

[Gee Wally]

I used to play at the one on Lake St. in Arlington/Belmont where it meets route 2.
But that was 50 years ago.

 

[HockeyMomx2]

I used to play at the one on Lake St. in Arlington/Belmont where it meets route 2.
But that was 50 years ago.

Wayland was doing one for a few years right before we moved West, can't remember the name of the road to save my life right now, I only drove it daily into Boston for work <sigh>, runs parallel to 30. but it's in a park on a road that connects with 27 where Tom Foolery's used to be. Helpful, I know. :-D

 

[Comfort Eagle]

I run a pick up hour in Brockton, MA on Friday nights at 10PM if you want to trek down to the hood. This is an indoor rink by the way. I have a skate sharpener if you want me to take care of that. I live pretty far from Boston though. I'm down in the Plymouth area.

 

[Fenway]

I used to play at the one on Lake St. in Arlington/Belmont where it meets route 2.
But that was 50 years ago.

That is where I learned to skate

 

[BNHL]

Boston playgrounds used to get flooded. The one in my JP neighborhood is virtually where every kid learned to skate in the late 60s and 70s. Don't know why it stopped. It was a HUGE deal,enormous participation.

 

[JRull86]

Boston playgrounds used to get flooded. The one in my JP neighborhood is virtually where every kid learned to skate in the late 60s and 70s. Don't know why it stopped. It was a HUGE deal,enormous participation.

Like someone posted above, probably a liability issue.

 

[BNHL]

Like someone posted above, probably a liability issue.

Probably,but the world wasn't the sue cesspool it is now.

 

[habtastic]

With sticks? I would say almost none. Any outdoor rink around Boston is almost strictly no sticks. You'd be better off finding a frozen pond which given the weather recently, is unlikely

That's what I've been noticing. Was hoping I was mistaken. Any frozen ponds in Boston itself (access by T), assuming this climate change doesn't affect us too bad for too much longer?

the 25 years I spent in MA with my family of hockey players they never used any of the official "out door rinks" unless they happened to be one of the fortunate few to play on Frozen Fenway (1 out of 3 has in fact played a couple games there which was cool). It's ponds or bust here. Bring your shovel. Bring your skates, pucks, sticks and gloves, grab some tree branches for goal designations and have at it. We have so many ponds and small lakes in the area that there's really no need for one being regulated and actually costs money to use. Some years are better than others, warm winters make for very little pond skating, but the cold ones, those are some of the best winters ever.

Literally the only good day for hockey (albeit slightly cold for watching for 5hr) was the first Frozen Fenway weekend (BU @ UMass gm1). I've been trying to find ponds in the area, but I guess you just gotta know em. Hoping Feb has more to offer weather wise.

I run a pick up hour in Brockton, MA on Friday nights at 10PM if you want to trek down to the hood. This is an indoor rink by the way. I have a skate sharpener if you want me to take care of that. I live pretty far from Boston though. I'm down in the Plymouth area.

Much appreciated. I might take you up on that one of these Friday nights if I get off early (work late). I signed up for Stinky Socks at Simoni Rink, just cuz of the timings (Mon nights). Sucks that I'll basically be jumping on the ice for a game fresh, without having touched a puck this season on ice. Don't have a car, but Uber probably isn't that bad to get to Brockton once in awhile. Thanks again for the invite!

Edit: NM, clearly Brockton is quite a distance. Thanks anyway.

Boston playgrounds used to get flooded. The one in my JP neighborhood is virtually where every kid learned to skate in the late 60s and 70s. Don't know why it stopped. It was a HUGE deal,enormous participation.

That one actually isn't too far from where I stay. I checked recently -- looks like it's either out of service or the shovels (and not for snow) are indeed needed. Certainly need colder weather.

Oh well, I guess I'll do some laps at Govt. Center



Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[Comfort Eagle]

Much appreciated. I might take you up on that one of these Friday nights if I get off early (work late). I signed up for Stinky Socks at Simoni Rink, just cuz of the timings (Mon nights). Sucks that I'll basically be jumping on the ice for a game fresh, without having touched a puck this season on ice. Don't have a car, but Uber probably isn't that bad to get to Brockton once in awhile. Thanks again for the invite!

Edit: NM, clearly Brockton is quite a distance. Thanks anyway.

One of the guys who plays with us lives in Boston. aybe you could catch a ride? Send me a PM if your interested. Brockton isn't too far from Boston, but maybe you aren't in Boston, but rather a more northern suburb?

 

[Gordoff]

I used to play at the one on Lake St. in Arlington/Belmont where it meets route 2.
But that was 50 years ago.

That one is like a staging area for DPW etc. It stores trucks, gravel, jersey barriers etc. Long gone sadly.

 

[thefed29]

Anyway, most of you would be very knowledgeable about this topic. I've already asked a couple of buddies from around here for both rink info and equipment/sharpening shops. Seems like one has to get out to Medford to find a good hockey store, even if it's for top ups like tape. Is that correct? Are there any good stores in Boston itself?

More importantly, does anyone know of any good outdoor rinks with nets, where you're allowed to shoot the puck around? Every rink seems to be family-oriented with no sticks/pucks allowed. I'm guessing there's shinny and pickup somewhere, despite the non-winter weather we've been having.

There is a good outdoor rink in Brookline. http://www.brooklinerec.com/152/Kirrane-Ice-Skating-Rink ; Haven't skated there myself but I have a couple buddies that play in a mens league there one night a week. It doesn't look like it is always set up with nets or completely free to skate on as there are many hours for public skating; but it does say there is 'drop-in' hockey which I am assuming is just pick up. Doesn't indicate whether that is free of charge or not.

In regards to hockey stores, Sports Etc. in Arlington is the only way to go for me. Been going there all my life. They do have baseball and some other sports equipment but it is 80% hockey equipment and an amazing selection of goalie equipment (although I don't think that applies to you). It is accessible via the MBTA, but would have to hop on a bus from either Alewife Station or Porter Square.

Hope that helps.

 

[304]

That's what I've been noticing. Was hoping I was mistaken. Any frozen ponds in Boston itself (access by T), assuming this climate change doesn't affect us too bad for too much longer?

Much appreciated. I might take you up on that one of these Friday nights if I get off early (work late). I signed up for Stinky Socks at Simoni Rink, just cuz of the timings (Mon nights). Sucks that I'll basically be jumping on the ice for a game fresh, without having touched a puck this season on ice. Don't have a car, but Uber probably isn't that bad to get to Brockton once in awhile. Thanks again for the invite!

Edit: NM, clearly Brockton is quite a distance. Thanks anyway.

I might have missed it, but what neighborhood are you in? If you don't have a car, we can help providing rinks that have open hockey in your area. DO you work during the day? There are a lot of open hockey hours during the week.

 

[Boston BROin]

When I lived in Boston, me and my buddies would go to Auburndale Cove in Newton. It's outdoors and they have nets set up. We'd just bring a truckload of beers and play pickup all day. I forget if there are lights there, I seem to remember there might have been? Maybe not, but the ice was good and the area was maintained for skating.

 

[habtastic]

One of the guys who plays with us lives in Boston. aybe you could catch a ride? Send me a PM if your interested. Brockton isn't too far from Boston, but maybe you aren't in Boston, but rather a more northern suburb?

I'm indeed in Boston. Will PM you once I get my ice legs under me this week. Thanks again CE!

There is a good outdoor rink in Brookline. http://www.brooklinerec.com/152/Kirrane-Ice-Skating-Rink ; Haven't skated there myself but I have a couple buddies that play in a mens league there one night a week. It doesn't look like it is always set up with nets or completely free to skate on as there are many hours for public skating; but it does say there is 'drop-in' hockey which I am assuming is just pick up. Doesn't indicate whether that is free of charge or not.

In regards to hockey stores, Sports Etc. in Arlington is the only way to go for me. Been going there all my life. They do have baseball and some other sports equipment but it is 80% hockey equipment and an amazing selection of goalie equipment (although I don't think that applies to you). It is accessible via the MBTA, but would have to hop on a bus from either Alewife Station or Porter Square.

Hope that helps.

Sweet, that is pretty accessible, and helps a lot. I realized that the online stores (hockey giant, pure hockey, etc.) do a pretty good job of delivering, and have great selections. I'll probably end up checking out Sports Etc., cuz who doesn't love trying out new sticks in store?

The Kiranne rink is less than 4 mi away, so that's def an option I'll check out once we get below freezing.

I might have missed it, but what neighborhood are you in? If you don't have a car, we can help providing rinks that have open hockey in your area. DO you work during the day? There are a lot of open hockey hours during the week.

I'm at Longwood (Just SW of Huntington and Longwood). It's not far at all from JP. I set my own schedule for the moment, so yeah, that would be awesome to play during the day. I'm happy to help set up a rink in the neighborhood.

When I lived in Boston, me and my buddies would go to Auburndale Cove in Newton. It's outdoors and they have nets set up. We'd just bring a truckload of beers and play pickup all day. I forget if there are lights there, I seem to remember there might have been? Maybe not, but the ice was good and the area was maintained for skating.

Just checked it out. Seems like it's heavily dependent on the weather, which makes total sense. Since it was literally 10C/50F today amazed, I'm guessing it'll be awhile before that rink gets going again, but it looks very promising. Only a 20 min drive from my place - I could prolly convince my buddy who does have a car, but who doesn't want to join a formal league. Definitely down for bringing beers.

 

[304]

OK, that helps to know that you're in the Longwood area. It's surprising, but Warrior Ice Arena has public hockey hours during the week. Also, Jim Roche in West Roxbury has time during the week. Check both their schedules online.

Leave your Habs gear at home if you go to Warrior!