POTSDAM – Pine Street Arena is expected to reopen Sunday, Jan. 24, after an 11-day closure due to COVID-19 concerns.

“The shutdown of Pine Street Arena was an act of precaution, as cases in Potsdam continue to rise, and as we learned of guests that were either in quarantine or at higher risk to keep numbers trending in the wrong direction,” said Trey Smutz, Potsdam Recreation Director.

“The brief closure is designed to give officials and coaches more time to develop stronger safety protocols to protect players, families, coaches, arena staff and most importantly the community. Although shutting down for a little over a week is not ideal, the decision was made so that a longer shutdown or pause doesn’t interrupt our plans to stay open until at least mid-March,” he said.

“We are taking the next few days to do some extra cleaning throughout the arena, and plan on opening back up at 7 a.m. Sunday to resume hockey practices. Junior hockey is currently weighing their options to return to the ice as well, with some teams perhaps taking even some more time off to help those growing numbers,” said Smutz.

“And although there hasn’t been any public skating yet or open hockey, if the department can hold smaller and safe sessions in the near future to the public, we will certainly try to do that,” he said.