Hyde Park ice rink operations to remain local after ownership dispute
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NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) – Longtime operator of Hyde Park Ice Pavilion, Mike Carella, will continue operations management of the rink following a vote by the Niagara Falls City Council on Wednesday.
Councilmembers voted on whether or not to allow Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group to take over and comes after the city locked the ice rinks' doors back in July, announcing plans for a change in operation.
After intense debate and strong community pushback in support of the current rink operator, the council rejected this change, with a vote of 3-2.
“A company that actually has represented well built relationships over the last 14 years ... if we choose to ignore that, we're doing an absolute disservice to the people we represent,” said Niagara Falls City Councilman Donta Myles.
Carella expressed great pride for his rink and their hockey community, saying, “it makes me feel great that people care as much as I do about it.”
Supporters of Carella, who has been operations director of the rink for 14 years, took the podium Wednesday, emphasizing the impact this rink and its current leadership has on the city of Niagara Falls.
“I do not understand when we finally get a local person who operates this arena efficiently and is clearly satisfying the citizens of Niagara Falls, my only question to this council is were you elected by the citizens you are representing or are you here put in office to represent the current administration?” one resident asked.
Another resident mentioned the economic impact, saying “for our hotels and for this city, the hockey tournaments held at Hyde park and other rinks are more than games, they're economic lifelines during our slowest months.”
Those we spoke with after Wednesday’s vote say they're happy with the decision, but that this is only a small step in a larger battle.
“My three children decided to play hockey and went to Hyde Park ice rink, they learned everything…about skating and hockey and dedication at that ice rink,” said resident Christine Chase. "I don’t know what the next step is, but I'm hoping that our outlook is for the community and the children.”
Bill Cline, president of the Power City Bruins, said, “we're just elated that it went our way, the question is now what will the mayor do?"
“Its a community center, it's not just the kids, it's our parents, it’s the men's leagues, the economic impact it makes for the city with all the hotels for all of the tournaments we do, it’s not a luxury it’s a necessity, so to close it down would be detrimental,” said Carella.
For now, local operations under Carella will remain in place, but the community is interested in hearing from Mayor Restaino regarding next steps. We reached out to the mayor's office, and have not yet heard back.
Angelica Gallagher is a Lancaster native who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of her work here.