It wasn't that many years ago that indoor skating rinks were few and far between in Middlesex and Worcester Counties. Most people skated on frozen ponds and lakes. But the sport of skating has developed so much in Massachusetts that the area now offers state-of-the-art facilities that host many events and attract world-renowned skaters and coaches, offering you the benefits of this heart-healthy activity all year round.
Ice Hockey Rinks
Almost every public rink in the Worcester area offers ice time for hockey. Both adult and youth ice hockey programs are available. Whether you've always wanted to learn how to play or you're experienced and just want to workout with others of the same caliber, you can find anything from ice hockey clinics to a pickup game at local rinks in the area. In particular, the New England Sport Center in Marlborough has many programs.
Figure Skating Rinks
World-renowned figure skaters such as Olympic Gold Medalist Ilia Kulik have trained just outside of Worcester at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, which houses five rinks and uses nonpolluting electric Zambonis (ice resurfacing machines). But Worcester and other outlying towns maintain an assortment of smaller rinks at which you can take lessons or enroll in group training programs.
Lessons
You don't have to aspire to be Paul Wylie or Bill Guerin to skate at a rink in the Worcester area. Hockey teaches game-play techniques, strategy and team-building, while figure skating develops artistic expression. Many qualified instructors and coaches are on staff or may be recommended by the rink or its associates. Some rinks hold training clinics.
Public Skating Rinks
Skating is an excellent form of aerobic exercise that not only promotes strength but also incorporates form and balance. All of the rinks in the Worcester area, except for the one at the Centrum, provide time slots when you may skate without supervision.
Roller-Skating Rinks
Whether you've had secret dreams of aspiring to the Roller Derby, or just want a workout with some inline skating, you'll be able to get your roller-skating fix. Worcester's Skylite Roller Skating Center features public skate time as well as family nights and lessons and can be reserved for private parties.
Private Functions
Skating birthday parties are growing in popularity as a way for children to get together and at least two area ice rinks offer private party time. The roller rink 30 minutes from Worcester in Hudson, Massachusetts even offers laser tag birthday parties. Fund raisers and corporate events are held at many local rinks. One even featured Olympian Johnny Weir.
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