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machine. Renfroe says other arenas don't seem to plan how to incorporate new rinks they add, with the pre-existing infrastructure. In contrast, the New England Sports Center has a nice flow from one rink to another. For a time, spectators could see the scoreboards of all rinks from one spot. Tuttle's skilled in juggling the complexity of running the eight full-size rinks and two smaller training rinks. "It's always a challenge to make sure that everybody is getting what they need and what they want. You know, communication, I guess, is most important." He adds that employees are the backbone of the center's success. "A lot of times it's the people who work in the business, the people who work in the pro shop, the people that work in food service, the people who work in the reception desk, the people who work at the events," Tuttle says. "They are the people that truly make a difference in our business." This continuity is essential. The center is always expanding. Its first rink opened in late November 1994. By that time in December, three other rinks followed suit. In 2004, the number of tournaments and events demanded more ice, so Renfroe added Rink Five. In 2010, it was Rink Six. Seven years later, figure skating, hockey and curling demand intensified the need for more ice. Two new sheets opened this September. "You know, Minuteman Youth Hockey Association is up to somewhere at about 49 or 50 teams," says Tuttle. "Where 25 years ago, it was probably six or eight teams." Renfroe's favorite memories? Every time he opens a new rink. "It really gives you a special feeling of accomplishment. And then you have people—the entire community tends to get excited about the ice they have available," Renfroe says. "More importantly, the rink is a family institution. It's where families go for recreation. A lot of them spend a lot of time there, so it's important that they have that kind of feel for the rink." As the leaves change, the New England Sports Center is transitioning into its busy season. High school teams will hit the ice daily. Arena leaders are talking about adding tracks for speed skating. Construction workers will complete the viewing areas in the center's two new rinks. And the city will celebrate. J , The interest in figure skating, curling and hockey continues to grow. USICERINKS.COM NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2017 / 19