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This article appeared in the Spring 2020 Edition of Curry Magazine...
A new state-of-the-art sports complex featuring two NHL-sized ice rinks is now home to the Curry Men’s Ice Hockey team. Located seven miles from the Milton campus, the newly constructed Canton Ice House (CIH) is the premiere skating facility for the area’s largest youth hockey programs.
The Colonels played their 2019-20 season home opener at the top-of-the-line facility with a win over the Endicott Gulls. Curry’s hockey community can now cheer on the team from stadium-style seating or enjoy a full-menu café on the mezzanine level, which overlooks both rinks. The Canton Ice House also features a pro shop, a game room, and two indoor golf simulators. Curry shares the private rink with other local elite hockey and figure skating programs that include Canton youth and high school teams and regional Women’s and Men’s leagues totaling more than 35 games and roughly 100 practices each week. The Ice House also hosts regional hockey tournaments and figure skating competitions in addition to offering public skating and hockey lessons.
Director of Athletics Vinnie Eruzione said “The Canton Ice House is a top-notch facility and will be a tremendous arena for our players and coaches along with our students, alumni, and friends to watch our Colonels in action. The new rink has also allowed the College to add an NCAA Division III women’s ice hockey program in 2021.”
Head Coach TJ Manastersky agrees. “We’re thrilled to make the Canton Ice House our new home,” he said. “It will provide an elevated and unmatched training and playing environment for our players while also giving our students, friends, families, and alumni a superior home game experience. This move signals a continued commitment to hockey from Curry, and I am grateful for the opportunity. We look forward to building on our proud history and tradition in our new home and establishing new relationships in the Ice House and the community of Canton.”
On December 7, a celebration of Curry Hockey’s new home was hosted at the Ice House by Curry College Trustees Robert E. Balletto ’79 and Hon. Anthony M. Campo ’79. In a doubleheader game day, Curry Hockey Alumni took on Boston Bruins Alumni, followed by the Curry Colonels vs. the nationally ranked Salve Regina Seahawks (tied 4-4 after two overtimes, and won by the Colonels with a 1-0 shootout goal by sophomore Alex Ochterbeck). The Colonels/Seahawks game also featured the sixth annual Teddy Bear Toss, where new teddy bears are tossed onto the ice when the Colonels score their first goal of the game. Donations benefit local hospitals, shelters, and other charity organizations. The Teddy Bear Toss was facilitated this year by the KJ10 Foundation, in honor of former Colonels Hockey captain Kevan Joyce ’90, whose family were in attendance, with daughter Kaitlyn Joyce ’19 performing the National Anthem for both games.
A reception for alumni and friends was held in Curry’s new private viewing room at the Canton Ice House. President Quigley celebrated this step forward and thanked all who helped make the move possible.“
Curry Hockey’s new home demonstrates our commitment to our students, our players, and the broader Curry community,” he said. “Today’s event also celebrates the support and leadership of Curry’s Hockey community. The people joining us today, as well as those who couldn’t be here, are one of Curry’s strongest examples of camaraderie and dedication. Today belongs to you – for what you have done for the school, for each other, and each generation of players.”