were the names that referred to the team during its 51-year history. To local fans,
the club generally was called the R.I. Reds. Around the rest of the American Hockey
League cities it was the Providence Reds. Reds played at R.I. Auditorium or
"The Arena" 1111 North Main Street in Providence 1926 through 1972
more info at rireds.org
Loved seeing games in the "Arena". The cigarette smoke was so thick there that by game's end a cloud was almost at ice level. Players would fight at the drop of the puck. The Civic Center brought some decomrum to the team, in addition to a ban on smoking. That move lost a lot of true fans. Games were never more exciting that at the Arena.
ReplyDeleteRemember the chicken wire safety screen around the rink?
ReplyDeleteONE......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................MINUTE!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome. :)
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ReplyDeleteI remember the plexiglass they finally installed to replace the chicken-wire. It was all different heights as it circled the rink. Was with my brother and a friend for a double-OT playoff game between the Reds and the Boston Braves. Terry O'Relly played for the Braves. A player got checked into the boards in front of us. The Glass was so short there the tip of his stick came over and banged our friend in the top of the head. It drew blood - and a laugh from my brother and me.
Kids.
I attended my very first hockey game at the Arena on North Main Street. I was probably 12 years old. What was so intriguing was the chicken wire screen. The place left an everlasting impression.
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