Rink

September/October 2015

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STARRINKS.COM SEPTEMBER.OCTOBER.2015 / 21 PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JOHN SMILIE, RIT ATHLETICS "We're going to try and get Wayne Wilson (head coach of RIT men's team) to speak at it, and do a tour of the building and walk them through some things." NEISMA offers the perfect platform for Hughes to show arena managers and facility operators the different approaches they have taken at RIT and the Polisseni Center. With a year under their belt and better knowledge of what to do and not to do when operating two different venues, Hughes agrees that it couldn't have come at a better time. "It's going to be a great opportunity for us. I think people are really going to enjoy it." Tigers Roar Without question the biggest buzz around the Polisseni Center remains with the Tigers community. A brand new RIT Athletics Hall of Fame, highlighting the hall's inductees and RIT's proud athletics history, is on full dis- play on the concourse. "We left it with room to grow," said Mekker of the trophies, bios and memorabilia decorating the wall. "We wanted it to encompass all sports, not just hockey, and showcase it along with this brand new facility." A single orange seat located in Section 107, Row K, Seat 8, Orange, also pays hom- age to one of RIT's greats. It was designed in honor of Green B. Williams, a former RIT goaltender. After graduating, Williams enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Tragically, he was killed in a pilot-training accident in 1984. When raising money for the Polisseni Center, it was decided that the seat directly behind the net that RIT would defend twice would be dedicated to Williams. Last year's inaugural season in the Polisseni Center was a hit among the Tiger faithful. This year, Hughes says it's going to be even better. "We're constantly tweaking and trying to do better things with our sheet of ice and how we perform during games," said Hughes. "That's a big credit to my staff. Everybody's really good at taking the bull by the horns and getting it done. We're trying a lot of different things, but I think it's working out pretty good. "We can't wait to get into this season." J

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