By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-777118.mp3
East Aurora, NY – The Winter Classic held last January in Buffalo made history, but the equipment that created the Ice bowl rink at Ralph Wilson Stadium will live on in East Aurora.
After the NHL Winter Classic was held, the ice making equipment used to create the large rink was tucked away in a warehouse in Orchard Park. That's when some people in East Aurora inquired about purchasing the materials. The NHL didn't own the rink. It was owned by the company that installed it.
Tony DiFilippo is with the Old Tyme Hockey League for men. He says they've been affiliated with the Aurora Ice Association the past eight years trying to get a rink built in East Aurora.
But the rink equipment was pricey. Equipment, dasher boards and site work cost about $350,000. But DiFilippo says the organization conducted fundraising, received private donations and grants to buy it. The new Riley Rink is located on Riley Street off historic Main Street in East Aurora. DiFilippo says everyone is thrilled to know the rink was used for the Ice Bowl.
Click the "listen" icon above to hear Eileen Buckley's story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod. But DiFilippo says it won't be used just for hockey. The rink will also be open to the public for skating sessions.