The Portland City Council on Monday voted unanimously to rename the Portland Ice Arena after William B. Troubh, a former mayor and councilor who battled political headwinds to build the arena 30 years ago.

Troubh, who died last November of a heart attack, was the first president of the Portland Middle School Hockey Association, which serves about 40 kids annually. He also helped bring the Portland Sea Dogs to a refurbished Hadlock Field.

City Councilor Cheryl Leeman said that, at the time, she was among those who thought the arena was a crazy idea. “Bill was right. It did everything he said it would,” Leeman said.

Troubh grew up on Sherman Street and spent his winters ice skating on Deering Oaks Pond, his friends said.

Former City Manager Joe Gray said the proposed ice arena was unpopular at the time, but Troubh patiently met with community groups to build support. After it was built, Troubh would often be found in the bleachers watching children skate, he said.

The Portland Middle School Hockey Association is planning to raise the money necessary to change the signs and memorialize Troubh.


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