Rangers Denied Chance to Practice @ Fenway

Larry Brooks at the New York Post reports that the Rangers were denied permission to practice on the Winter Classic ice at Fenway Park this afternoon by Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna.

Chris Drury, a former Boston University standout, made the request while the Rangers are in Boston preparing to take on the Bruins tomorrow afternoon...

"The Blueshirts, who face the Bruins here tomorrow afternoon, had requested about a half-hour of outdoor ice time early this afternoon, prior to the Hockey East outdoor doubleheader at Fenway commencing at 4 with a women’s game between UNH and Northeastern before the 7:30 men’s nightcap between BU and BC.

But though NHL ice-making specialist and facilities manager Dan Craig had given his approval — the rink originally made for the Jan. 1 Winter Classic has remained in place through the week for a variety of events — Hockey East ultimately was fearful that the practice would damage the ice surface."

...that's a pretty weak move by Hockey East.