The new boards and Plexiglas are up at the Kennebec Ice Arena ...

and the place looks sharp. The boards and Plexiglas once stood in the old FleetCenter, which is now the TD Banknorth Garden. The KIA purchased the pieces from the Boston Bruins late last year and is in the process of completing the rink's overhaul. Rink manager K.C. Johnson says the KIA will hold a public skate April 15 to officially open the arena. A Community Day is scheduled for April 19, complete with free public skate and hot dogs. The event begins at 11:30 a.m.

One big difference with the new boards and Plexiglas —excluding the visual appeal — is that the Plexiglas is taller than what was in place before. The new glass is eight feet tall at both ends of the ice. The old Plexiglas was six feet tall. This is a big difference, and you’ll notice that come high school hockey season (I know, think spring), the players will seem dwarfed.

There are plenty of other changes happening as well, including new floors and carpeting and a fresh paint job over the team benches.

For more on these changes, check out Saturday’s paper ...