Back Bay Hockey Association is hosting an information meeting for parents on Monday, February 16 at Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center. We will meet in the stretch room at 6pm. 

The agenda for this meeting is to share our intentions for the 2026/27 season, highlight the areas in which we are focused on improving, and importantly to address your questions and hear your comments.

We are grateful for the relationships we have with our families and look forward to both grow and strengthen our program

Pop Whalen Ice & Event Center To Reopen Friday, January 30, 2026 Following Air Quality Review and Equipment Repairs
(Wolfeboro, NH) — The Town of Wolfeboro is providing an update regarding the air quality incident that occurred at the Pop Whalen Ice & Event Center on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and the steps taken to ensure the continued safety of facility users.

Following the incident, the Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Department conducted additional testing of the facility using carbon monoxide (CO) meters and meters designed to detect chemicals including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on Monday, January 26 and again on Thursday, January 29.

All readings were within safe limits. Readings were taken throughout the facility, including all areas of the ice surface and viewing areas, lobby, lockers rooms, and office areas. The Thursday readings were conducted while the Zamboni was in operation.

A certified Zamboni technician evaluated the ice resurfacing machine on January 27, 2026. The inspection determined that the machine was running inefficiently at certain operating levels, which can increase emissions. The technician performed a full mechanical review and replaced multiple components, including the fuel regulator, oxygen sensor, oil sending unit, and mixer diaphragm. After repairs were completed, emissions testing was conducted and the Zamboni was cleared for safe operation. Emissions reports were provided to the Town.

In addition, ARC Mechanical, which services the facility’s HVAC and dehumidification systems, conducted a comprehensive inspection and monitoring of indoor air quality. Multiple CO readings were taken throughout the rink and surrounding areas, all of which measured at or near zero parts per million (PPM). A wall-mounted CO sensor was found to be reading higher than handheld instruments; as a precaution, a replacement sensor has been ordered and is expected to arrive by February 4, 2026. Additional preventive maintenance components, including flame sensors and igniters, have also been ordered and will be installed.

As an added safety measure, technicians conducted extended monitoring using combustion analyzers and separate air monitors and found no elevated CO or NO₂ levels during multiple walkthroughs of the facility

Moving forward, the Town has implemented the following precautions and improvements:

• The HVAC purge system will be activated while the Zamboni is operating until all dehumidifier maintenance is complete.
• Portable CO and NO₂ meters have been ordered for use with the Zamboni.
• The Town is exploring upgrades to the fire alarm system to include NO₂ detection, in addition to its existing integration with the HVAC system.
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Based on the completed inspections, repairs, and testing, the Town feels confident in reopening the Pop Whalen Ice & Event Center on Friday, January 30, 2026. Final approval is being coordinated with the Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Chief to ensure all safety protocols are fully met.

Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue was assisted by Parks and Recreation staff, the Carroll County Hazardous Materials Team, Tuftonboro Fire-Rescue, the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office, Huggins Hospital, the Northern New England Poison Control Center, and Brewster Academy staff.

The Town of Wolfeboro remains committed to transparency and the safety of all residents, staff, and visitors. Additional updates will be provided as needed.