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MISSOULA- Thousands flock to the Glacier Ice Rink for hockey season as the temperature drop, but the rink's future may not be as smooth as its icy surface.

The day that we stopped by saw the Zamboni laying a fresh sheet of ice inside as Missoula County commissioners wrapped up a tour of the facility outside.

They're on a fact-finding mission to learn more about the rink that's operated by the Missoula Area Youth Hockey Association (MAYHA), but located on Missoula County property at the Western Montana Fairgrounds.

"It's nice to see the whole facility and how it all works. The skating folks did a lot of improvements. It's nice to see the things they're doing and what they plan to do," Missoula County Commissioner Jean Curtiss commented.

But looking ahead, the two parties may not see eye-to-eye. The issue is the lease, that was signed years ago when participation was minor and the hockey folks say it no longer serves their needs because of incredible, unforseen, growth and that may force them to take drastic action.

"There are talks of another rink at another facility off-site. Me, as executive director of the hockey association, has to explore all options at this time," Glacier Ice Rink Executive Director Eric Penn explained.

MAYHA and the county already exchanged letters about the situation and now it's time to hammer out a possible deal.

"As for the contract, there are probably a few things that'll change. We made an offer and set up people to negotiate what they need and what we need," Curtiss told us.

"Is it working for the county? Is it working right for the hockey association? If not, what can we do to make it better?," are some of the questions that Western Montana Fair Director Steve Earle is asking.

"What I would like to see happen at the Missoula County Fairgrounds is for us to work together, build a third sheet, continue to establish and grow hockey at the current location," Penn said.

Missoula has an adult rec league program that ranks among the 25 largest in the country.

The two sides do have $100,000 already put toward paving the parking area immediately outside the rink this spring and the long-term plans currently call for a third sheet of ice as well.

Contact Mark Holyoak