NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) -- It's not goodbye, it's see you later for Mike Carella, the longtime operator of the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion in Niagara Falls.

The past 14 years all come down to the final days of September for Carella, whose last day will be Sept. 30. As he prepares to hand the reins of the rink over to a new operator, he can't help but look back and reflect on his passion that made the place what it is today.

"I've been in hockey my whole life," Carella said. "The first time I ever skated was on this rink when I was 5 years old. I got married on this rink. We've had so many parties in here -- birthday parties, family, every Christmas my family comes to this rink and we have our Christmas party here. That's the stuff that hurts me."

Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino claims

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