So, I finally got around to checking out that hockey rink in Charlestown the other day. It’s funny, I’ve driven past it loads of times, always meaning to pop in, but you know how things go. Life gets busy. But last Tuesday, felt like a good day for it.
Getting Over There
Didn’t do much planning, honestly. Just grabbed my old skates from the back of the closet – probably needed sharpening, but figured it’d be fine for just gliding around a bit. Threw on a warm jacket, because even indoor rinks have that chill, right? The drive over wasn’t bad, found parking easier than I thought I would, which was a good start.
Walking towards the entrance, I could already hear that distinct sound – pucks hitting the boards, skates cutting the ice. It’s a sound I’ve always liked.
Inside the Rink
Stepped inside, and yeah, there’s that familiar cold air. Smells like ice and maybe a hint of stale popcorn, just like every rink I’ve ever been in. It wasn’t super crowded, which was nice. Looked like some sort of youth practice wrapping up on one end of the ice.
I found a spot on the bleachers, didn’t bother lacing up my skates this time. Just wanted to watch for a bit, soak it in. Watched the kids practice their drills. Some were really zipping around, others still finding their balance. Coaches shouting instructions, parents watching from the sides. Standard scene, really.
Things I noticed:
- The boards looked like they’d seen plenty of action. Lots of scuffs and marks. Tells a story, I guess.
- Sound echoed quite a bit in there. Every shout, every slap shot bounced around.
- It felt very… local. Not fancy, just a functional place for people to skate and play hockey.
Sat there for maybe half an hour. Just watching the rhythm of the practice, the Zamboni eventually coming out to clean the ice. It’s kinda mesmerizing watching that thing go back and forth, leaving that perfectly smooth sheet behind it.
Heading Out
Didn’t stay much longer after the ice got cleaned. Felt like I’d gotten what I came for. Just a simple visit, a little dose of that rink atmosphere. It’s good to see places like this still going, you know? Community spots where kids can learn a sport, people can skate. Nothing complicated about it. Just a good, solid hockey rink doing its thing in Charlestown. Glad I finally stopped by.
