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Rink Fire Not Expected To Deter Lexington Amateur Hockey Enthusiasts

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Stu Johnson

Flexibility could be the key word for Lexington hockey players of all ages, abilities, and interests. A fire that destroyed an ice rink at the Lexington Ice Center almost a week ago is expected to carry an impact for about a year.

The fire which gutted rink two affects lots of skaters; youth, high school, college, and adult amateur hockey players, figure skaters, and those just out for fun.   

Lexington Amateur Ice Hockey Association Commissioner Paul Adelfio has about 200 players in three leagues.  He doesn’t anticipate losing any games over the next year. “We will play... if we have to we’ll play seven days a week.  If the Ice Center will allow us to do it, we’ll play at any available ice times.  If we have to play earlier we will.  If we have to play later we will,” said Adelfio  Adelfio admits that later start could even mean 11:00 p.m. 

The amateur organization leader says leagues formed in the mid-1990’s with the startup of the Kentucky Thoroughblades professional hockey team.  The minor league franchise had a five-year-run in Lexington. 

Adelfio said there were four teams when amateur hockey hit the ice in the mid 1990’s.  Now there are 11 teams spread out over three leagues. 

4PAULADELWEB.mp3
Lexington Amateur Ice Hockey Association Commissioner Paul Adelfio Explains The Growth Of Hockey In The Bluegrass Community

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