Endicott College breaks ground on new Raymond J. Bourque Arena

BEVERLY -- A few months after announcing the school's intention to upgrade its men's and women's hockey program from club level to NCAA Division III, Endicott College officially broke ground on the Raymond J. Bourque Arena on Tuesday afternoon.

The facility will be the on-campus home of the men's and women's hockey programs as they embark on NCAA play to begin the 2015-16 season. The rink, named after the legendary Boston Bruins defenseman, is expected to be ready by the start of the next school year.

In addition to the two Endicott programs, Beverly High School will call the arena home as will several other youth hockey programs in the area.

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Jeff Cox covers college, junior and high school hockey, NCAA recruiting and NHL Draft prospects. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSports.