Kariya Says Ice Is Rinky-Dink

Despite claims by team and arena officials that the Pond’s ice surface has improved, it doesn’t pass muster in the eyes of the person whose opinion ought to matter the most: Paul Kariya.

“It’s wet and slow, just heavy ice,” Kariya said. “It hasn’t gotten better. I’m not an expert at making it, but I know good ice.”

The NHL announced last week it will make periodic checks because of complaints about the quality of ice in some rinks.

Club and arena officials say substantial measures have been taken to improve the ice--including the purchase of $500,000 in dehumidification and climate-control equipment--and that referees consistently have rated the ice “good” or “excellent” in postgame reports.