Thirty nine years ago the Thomas C. Cavanaugh Arena at Salmon River Central opened its doors to the community’s athletes and to the sport of hockey.  The boys of the SRC Shamrocks played their first game in the arena in December 1970. Since that time the arena has been a multi-purpose facility where graduations, figure skating, ice shows, gun, farm and home shows, and lacrosse have taken place.

In 2001, the Salmon River Central Girls Hockey Team was born.  Girl’s hockey has gained a lot of respect and enthusiasm among spectators and the family of Salmon River. The reputation of girl’s hockey has really been noticed and respected throughout the state. The high level of success for the young ladies reminds the community of the first Inaugural Team in 2001-2002 at Salmon River. Their first season was completed with a record of 16-1-1.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2008 the SRC Board of Education approved the celebration and rededication of the Thomas C. Cavanaugh Ice Arena on the evening of the Lady Shamrock’s first home hockey game of the season, played against Saranac Lake.

The arena was refurbished this summer, with new boards and other improvements.

The team that led the way for other girls to compete included:  Nicole Bero, Lacey Black, Jessica Brown, Sateiokwen Cole, Eileen Cook, Jaymee Fox, Emily Gardner, Marcy Herne, Mary Herne, Kanerahtenhawe Jackson, Chantel Johnston, Courtney Johnston, Kim McDonald, Nikki Oakes, Deylin Timmons, Valen Timmons and Jade White. Thanks goes out to this team who paved the way for future teams.

Thank you to the Salmon River Central Board of Education for allowing the girls to form their team as well as for believing in them.  The girls have shown the determination and commitment to playing hockey each season.  Since the 2003-04 girls hockey season, the Lady Shamrocks have won five straight ice hockey championships. These girls are so impressive as they play each year.  So much support has been given to them by fans, families, and the whole community. 

December 2 (girls) and December 12 (boys) will be the game nights that will be devoted to celebrations of rededication days for the Thomas C. Cavanaugh Ice Arena.  Special thanks goes out to all the people who helped in any way to prepare for these history making events.  All the athletes who have passed through the doors of this school should be commended for their success both on and off the ice.

Salmon River faced Saranac Lake in their 1st home game of the season.

The community is invited to come and see the recently refurbished ice arena with new ice surface, floor, sideboards and glass.