Durham Ice Rink

Durham Ice Rink
Location	Durham Ice Rink Walkergate Durham City Co. Durham DH1 1SQ England
Opened	March 6, 1940 (open air) December 21, 1946 (closed)
Closed	July 8, 1996
Owner
Tenants	Durham Wasps (1948-1961, 1966-1995) Durham University (1951-1955) Durham Hornets (1953-1955, 1973-1988) Durham Mosquitoes (1948-1951) Durham City Wasps (1995-1996)
Capacity	2,860
Dimensions	180' x 80'

The Durham Ice Rink in Durham, England opened as an outdoor facility on March 6, 1940. It was built by Ice manufacturer John "Icy" Smith, the namesake of the Icy Smith Cup.

The elements made open air skating a challenge, so seven posts were soon driven into the ice to support a tarpaulin roof, which was torn off by high winds in November 1944. A permanent roof had been erected by December 1946.

Ice hockey was first played at the rink in late 1941 when the Canadian YMCA set up a league featuring 12 RCAF teams. The Bombers defeated the Spitfires 5-1 in the first game. Numerous National Hockey League players took part in the games.

In 1944, there was an exciting playoff for the Group title between Leeming and Middleton. Leeming won the first game 3-2 and the third 3-0, Middleton taking the second, 7-1.

The first game involving a local team was on October 18, 1947. The Kirkcaldy Flyers edged the Durham Wasps 5-4. The Wasps were one of the most notable English teams, first playing in challenge games and later the Northern League and British Hockey League.

The Northern Tournament was hosted by the Durham rink for many years.