MASSENA — Two new “state-of-the-art, professional style” dressing rooms for the Massena Central High School boys’ and girls’ varsity hockey teams — complete with the familiar red Massena Central “M” emblazoned into the floor — will soon grace the Massena Arena, courtesy of the Mark P. Tyo Foundation.
The announcement was made Friday night prior to Massena taking on Ithaca in the first of what is expected to be annual Mark P. Tyo Invitational Tournament at the arena.
“A lot of people were telling us they should have their own locker rooms,” said Ryan Prentice, a member of the Foundation.
With Mr. Tyo’s family standing at center ice, and joined on the ice by members of the girls’ and boys’ varsity hockey teams, along with young minor hockey players, Mr. Prentice recalled how Mr. Tyo had once donned the Red Raider jersey and played on the arena ice in front of his family and friends.
Mr. Tyo, who died last year at the age of 39, was a 1993 graduate of Massena Central High School, where he was active in varsity hockey, varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse. He continued his hockey career for four more years while attending SUNY Cortland, where he earned honors for his play on the ice and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He continued playing hockey in the north country following his college career.
The foundation was established following his death, and Mr. Prentice said it was comprised of Mr. Tyo’s family and closest friends from across the country, who were all proud to announce the addition that will come to the arena in the next few months. They expect to begin work next month and have the dressing rooms, which will be located at the far end of the arena, completed by June.
This was the first donation announced by the Foundation since its inception.
“This project cannot be done by the Foundation alone,” Mr. Prentice said, noting it took the support of the community to make it a reality.
He said the dressing rooms will not only serve the varsity teams well, but will also act as an inspiration for younger players who aspire to become a Red Raider as they advance through the hockey ranks.
“They know what it will feel like and how lucky they are to have such fantastic fans and a fantastic community,” Mr. Prentice said.
As part of their efforts, the Foundation holds a golf tournament around July 4 to raise money. They’re also selling limited edition Mark P. Tyo Invitational shirts via their Facebook page to support their work. The shirts will be available until Jan. 15 for $15 at www.victorypromotions.net/mark-tyo-foundation-long-sleeve-shirt. All players in the tournament received a free shirt.
The tournament continues today at the Massena Arena. Canton is scheduled to face off against Ithaca at 12:30 p.m., followed by Massena against Lancaster at 3 p.m. Following the tournament, the varsity girls will take to the ice at 5:15 against Skaneateles.
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