Deuvilles Rink turns 50

SALMON RIVER - When Doug Leger reviews his life, Deuville's Rink plays a huge part in it. And not just for the time he spent playing hockey.
"I experienced puppy love on this ice ... and then I married her," Doug said of his wife Tina, who he met at the rink as a teenager.
Doug took a walk down memory lane during the 50th anniversary celebrations of the rink Sunday afternoon. Pictures, memorabilia, music, cake and a barbecue were all part of the fun.
"A bunch of us came here religiously every weekend for skating and hockey and the guys would try to show off their speed and skills to the girls. I was pretty fancy," laughed Doug, who still lives in Salmon River.
"Deuville's has been a real big part of my life. It didn't matter how cold it was we were so determined to be here. It was an outdoor rink then and we'd even skate around and push the snow off to the sides so we could use it. Even now, it would be very devastating for the community if it ever closed."
Tina said the rink is more than a place to skate and play hockey.
"It's like a second family and a home away from home. They always looked after us and we felt safe," said Tina.
Salmon River's Gloria Henderson attended the festivities. She agreed the rink has become a pivotal site in the community.
"Nobody would know what to do without it," she said.
Even youngsters who are now just enjoying the facility have nothing but praise for it.
"I like coming here. I like everything about it," said nine-year-old Sydney Miller of Truro. Sydney plays ball hockey and ice hockey at Deuville's.
"I like we can play here because most people think girls don't play hockey."
Ellery Deuville, whose family owns the rink, estimated about 1,000 people enjoyed the anniversary celebration. Ellery said it wasn't surprising to see a large crowd.
"The rink is more important to the community than ever," he said, adding that changes to the facility have altered the atmosphere a bit over the years.
"Every time there's a change and the rink advanced it lost a bit of nostalgia. But improvements are (needed) and the community loves coming here."

mchiasson@trurodaily.com