BEVERLY, Mass., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — After more than 10 years of trying to partner with city and local groups to bring an ice arena to Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College constructed a state of the art ice arena on its oceanside campus. On October 3rd, the College dedicated the 10 million dollar facility to NHL legend and 21-year veteran for the Boston Bruins, Raymond J. Bourque.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/274222
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/274223
In making the decision to recognize Bourque, College President Dr. Richard E. Wylie said, "Ray is one of Boston's greatest sports figures, both on and off the ice. He exemplifies all that is great about sport and athleticism. His strong personal and professional values, skills, belief and commitment to others make him a role model whose name and reputation should be preserved for generations. Endicott is proud to honor such a man."
Bourque, a resident of the North Shore for over 30 years, expressed a strong desire to inspire our youth, students, and the greater community. "This arena will affect the lives of many individuals, starting with the youth of the North Shore of Boston. This is the primary motivation for engaging with Endicott College, which has proven it values community," said Bourque. "I am honored and have been grateful for the chance to actively assist in the construction fundraising, the funding of youth scholarships, and the educating of our youth. As an athlete, I have always valued teamwork, leadership, dedication, passion, and a strong sense of community."
With the construction of the Raymond J. Bourque Arena, Endicott moves from 12 years as a club team to an NCAA Division III intercollegiate program for both men and women.
The Raymond J. Bourque Arena's completion comes during a period of heightened construction for Endicott as the College has built and renovated several facilities dedicated to academia, residence life, food service, athletics, and other areas of the campus. Each one of these major projects has been entrusted to Windover Construction, a local outfit based out of Beverly that has helped to change the look and feel of Endicott College.
The first few weeks of the arena's schedule has been occupied mainly with area youth leagues, daily public skate hours for Endicott College and the greater community, adult drop-in hockey, freestyle figure skating, and youth stick time. The Endicott Community eagerly awaits the start of the 2015-16 Endicott men's and women's ice hockey seasons the first home games being held November 7th.
Media Contact:
Joanne Waldner
Endicott College
phone: 978-232-2013
fax: 978-232-2999
email: Email