Featured Rink: Buffone Arena – Worcester, MA

Known as “the rink on Lake Ave,” Buffone Arena in Worcester has been managed by FMC since 1995. A Commonwealth of Massachusetts public ice skating facility overseen by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the rink was built in 1958 and is named after Charles J. Buffone, a Democrat who represented Worcester in the Massachusetts House for eight terms.

Home to the Assumption College Greyhounds, the rink is also home to Grafton High School, the Junior Crusaders, Shrewsbury Youth Hockey, Worcester High School, the Rusty Blades, and our very own Central Mass Cobras of the New England Future Stars.

In 2004, FMC did a big renovation of the arena including a new slab, boards, glass, bleachers, refrigeration system, lobby and lighting, and followed up in 2012 with a new façade and front entrance. The Greyhounds’ locker room was also fully renovated prior to the 2014-2015 season.

Arena Manager Nick Pennucci

The arena has a tremendous record of staff longevity, even amongst the part-timers. The arena’s manager Nick Pennucci started as a skate guard and Zamboni driver in 1980, did a stint working for the MA Division of Forest and Parks, only to return to Buffone in 1996 where he has been ever since. Assistant Manager John Towler has been a fixture at Buffone since 1986 before FMC took over the rink’s management, beat only by Facility Operator Arthur Sachse who has been working at the rink part time since 1984. In fact, this year marked the 35th annual Laker’s Arthur M. Sachse Youth Hockey Tournament at the rink!

Pennucci and his staff are proud to be one of the finer ice surfaces in Central Mass, help user groups reach their goals and be home to many programs for all ages and skill levels. Many new skaters and hockey players have found happiness on the ice at Buffone! Join us for a public skating session and find a well-maintained facility, friendly staff, and safe environment to have fun.

Public Skating

Monday: 10:00 – 11:50AM

Wednesday: 10:00 – 11:50AM

Friday: 10:00 – 11:50AM, 8 – 9:50PM