Renovations on Abbey Ice Rink Heat Up

Ice skaters at the will find themselves enjoying a newly improved rink come wintertime.

The school is in the process of replacing the slab and the dasher boards, a massive overhaul for the rink. Though not yet completed, construction is already underway, with more than three miles of tubing installed and 200 yards of concrete poured. Following that is the installation of the new boards and glass system.

“Eleven miles of tubing, 11 tons of reinforcing rods, 21,000 feet of wire mesh and 240 yards of concrete,” said Paul Jestings, director of operations and project manager at Portsmouth Abbey, in a statistical display of the project’s scope.

The project culled its materials from some prestigious manufacturers. Minnesota-based Becker Arena Products Inc., which has supplied both the Boston Bruins and the 1998 Winter Olympics, will produce the boards. The boards were purchased by partnering with Salve Regina University, whose hockey team uses the abbey rink as its home.  

“That was really fortunate we were able to do that with [Salve],” said Jestings.

Jestings noted that, while professional materials are being incorporated into the project, Rhode Island-based businesses were also given attention in the construction of the rink. Lonsdale Concrete Floors, based in Cumberland, will provide the surface.

“We tried to do as much local stuff as we can. We do that a lot in the whole school,” said Jestings, referencing an eco-friendly dormitory currently being built with the help of local contractors and landscapers.

Aside from giving workers of local businesses an opportunity to flex their muscles, skaters wishing to exercise their own muscles can do so at the new rink, which will remain open to public skating.

Jestings maintains that the rink will be technologically advanced. The ice surface is meticulously cooled by computerized equipment to create the best arena for playing hockey, while carbon monoxide is also monitored to keep the rink safe.   

“We try to run a 100 percent absolutely safe rink and do everything we can to make it a great rink for playing hockey,” said Jestings.

One possible issue remains: will the new rink harbor the legendary cold for which the old rink was known?

Jestings laughs and explains that the climate-controlled atmosphere will preserve not only the ice, but the frozen audience as well.

“It may be a little bit cold. Bring a blanket,” said Jestings. “And there’s always hot chocolate.”