So here are some images of the men's hockey game at Appleton Arena at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York. I can't imagine a more respectful maintenance of a 1950's arena. Seating is original pine varnished benches and the arcing roof is also unpainted wood. The effect is a little like watching a game in the woods. The throw-back feeling is enhanced by no ads on the board or the ice. There is also an organist and the whole family got in for twelve bucks.
White ice, white boards
The later addition matches the old, just lighter wood
Pine bench seating
The game was good and, down 2-1, the Saints pulled their goalie for the last minute and a half. Vermont scored an empty-netter with 6 seconds left to make it 3-1. The atmosphere was great and you imagine in this university town of 6,000 or so next to Adirondack State Park the crowd is pretty regular. One funny moment was when the the crowd heard the hated rival Clarkson [4 Mb movie] was losing eight miles east 0-3 to Dartmouth - the roar was louder than when the lone St. Lawrence goal was scored.
Comments
Michael Demmons - February 16, 2004 2:43 PM
Great pictures, Alan.
Makes me long for Clarenville Stadium in Newfoundland. I used to play hockey there, while my parents and everyone else screamed their collective head off at the ref when he made a call against us.
We had a spot called "The Rowdy Section" which was, not coincidentally, the area in the bleachers just outside the bar!
Wayne - February 16, 2004 3:20 PM
The question begs to be asked(...)were they wearing visors? If so, were they francophone?
Mandy - February 16, 2004 3:39 PM
Oh that's beautiful. I love the use of wood like that.
SayNay? - February 16, 2004 6:37 PM
Thanks for the photos Alan. There's a nice old-time pureness about it, isn't there. Is nostalgia really a useless emotion? I can almost "smell" the arena, with that intoxicating mixture coming from coolness of the ice and the french fries. It's also gratifying to see the Canadian Flag, equal in size and along side the Stars and Stripes - where it belongs.
crisp - February 17, 2004 3:47 AM
I really wish ice hockey was more accessable here in Australia, the games are so far away and few in between....i gotta say i'm pretty jealous from seeing the pictures!
thanks for the link up btw :)
Alan - February 17, 2004 8:14 AM
Hey crisp! One of my favorite sports discussions was in Hampstead Heath, London where me and my also Canadian backpacking pal were discussing the relative virtues of hockey versus Aussie rules over a few gallons of Guinness with a bunch of your country men who had driven to the UK in a van through Asia. We were accorded victory in the debate by your countrymen due to the fact that in hockey you have a stick to hit the other guy with.<p>Right now at -15 this morning I think I have my own jealousies relative to your weather to deal with.
Mariette - February 18, 2004 12:11 PM
I would like to have the address of Appleton arena. because I need it to find the directions on Mapquest. Thank's
Alan - February 18, 2004 12:17 PM
All I know is turn at the corner at the "America" movie house in downtown Canton and drive out about half a mile. It is behind the sports field.
leif skodnick - April 25, 2004 7:04 PM
Appleton Arena is located at the corner of Leigh and Miner Sts., Canton, NY 13617.