Golf Follows Ice At Massena Arena

MASSENA - Golf balls will soon be flying before the ground even thaws - inside the Massena Arena.

The arena ice compressors will be shut down the morning of April 11 and crews will begin tearing out the ice on April 12.

And then, Recreation Superintendent Richard Boprey said, they'll put up self-contained golf nets inside the building to allow golfers to practice their drives.

It will be another way to bring in additional revenue for the recreation commission, according to Mr. Boprey. He said they'll rent buckets of golf balls to let people practice their swing before the weather warms up and they hit the outdoor links.

Before they can dig out the nets though, recreation officials have to round out the ice season. Among the activities that will be taking place early next month before the ice goes out is a broomball tournament from April 2-4.

Mr. Boprey said the tournament will feature a number of teams from throughout the region. He said the organizer has filled up rooms at two local motels for team members and is now starting to reserve rooms at the Quality Inn in downtown Massena.

"He's done an outstanding job just bringing teams into Massena," Mr. Boprey said.

Other upcoming events at the arena - once the ice is out - is the Massena Rod and Gun Club's annual show, which will be held April 17-18.

Looking ahead to next year, Mr. Boprey said they'll have a new addition to the ice rink schedule when Massena plays host to the girl's hockey final tour playoffs.