Hockey Team May Get Practice Area for '54

College hockey teams will probably have a place to practice next year, despite what happens to the Arena and the College's own hockey rink drive, the President of the Arena-Garden Corporation indicated yesterday.

Meanwhile, the alumni-sponsored drive for a Harvard rink appeared stymied, and may be turned over to the University.

Brown Approached

Walter A. Brown, president of the Arena-Garden organization said yesterday that he has already been contacted by two ice companies and two land owners about the possibility of building an outdoor rink.

The rink would be primarily for college and high school hockey, although it would be open to the public on weekends. Brown countered the possibility that the ice might be too rough for college hockey by saying that the actual games could be held in the Garden.

He added, however, that he was not going ahead with any details until the Arena had been paid for. "Nothing's sold until it's paid for, and they (the group of business men who bought the Arena) have until March 15 to change their minds," he said.

Costly Equipment

Brown refused to name the ice companies, adding that the equipment--new--would cost him around $125,000. He stated that he would have little trouble getting the pipe, "unless I wait around to the last minute, which I wouldn't do."

It would only take a couple of months to build the rink, according to Brown, and although he has received offers, he is undecided about a site. Handy transportation would be the most important thing, he said. Whether there would be ice time for House hockey all depends upon the scheduling, he added.

Alexander H. Bright '19, who started a drive for Harvard's own rink, announced yesterday that he planned to turn the matter over to the University. Bright had started the drive with a personal contribution of $20,000, but only $1,000 has been collected since.

Edward R. Reynolds, Administrative vice-President, said yesterday that something will have to be done about this, we'll look into it." Last year--when it appeared the Arena would still be open--the Corporation refused its support.

After the Corporation's decision, an undergraduate group, led by George W. Chase '53, a varsity player, circulated petitions trying to raise student support. A closed rink would have cost the University $450,000, while an uncovered one would total around $150,000.

The Arena was sold late in December. The new owners plan to make the building a place for industrial concerns, and any ufrther sporting events will definitely be out.