Longtime operator of Hyde Park Ice Pavilion forced out by mayor

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Hyde Park Ice Pavilion has been a staple for hockey players across Western New York for decades. While the doors are no longer closing, the man who has been operating the rink for the past 14 years, Mike Carella, is being kicked out.

City Administrator Anthony Restaino informed WIVB News 4 Wednesday morning that Niagara Sports Tournament, that Carella co-owns, will “not be involved,” but did not say who is taking over.

“My initial reactions was sadness and sorrow. I was disappointed,” said Carella. “My fear is that this rink is going to go back to what it was.”

Carella tells WIVB News 4 he believes the decision might be personal.

“When you fight against the Mayor of Niagara Falls, he goes after you personally,” said Carella. “We never had a problem or anything, until he lost the first vote with Legacy.”

Last Wednesday, councilmembers voted not to allow Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group to take over and comes after the city locked the ice rinks’ door back in July, when initial plans for a change in operation were announced.

Despite the 3-2 vote, the mayor has chosen to move forward with a different operator — a decision one council member says essentially overturned their vote.

Councilman Donta Myles said no one on the council has been made aware of who the new operator will be and he’s tired of being left out of the loop.

“It speaks deafening volumes. He’s bypassing our vote and pretty much overlooking or circumventing our decision that we made as a council body,” said Myles. “It speaks volumes of his integrity and the integrity of his administration as well.”

Carella said teams are already pulling out of scheduled hockey tournaments because of the weeks of back and forth.

“They read about this crazy mayor, and they ask what is going on,” said Carella. “They ask me what’s the deal? There is no deal. It doesn’t make sense.”

Carella also worries the impact of a new operator will be felt far beyond him.

“The hotels are going to feel it. The restaurants are going to feel it,” said Carella. “My employees. If this new guy doesn’t have a liquor license, or a snack bar license, they’re all gone. They’re all local people and I can’t save them.”

Myles said he’s not quite sure what he can do but he is considering proposing an emergency resolution to try and get a contract between Carella and the city. But he believes the city’s attorney would put a stop to that.

Anthony Restaino said more information will be provided when its available.

WIVB News 4 asked to do an on-camera interview with the mayor, but he has not responded to the request.

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.