Copper thieves steal ice rink's pipes, could delay opening

Copper thieves made off with 64 4-foot pipes vital to the cooling system at the popular outdoor St. Paul ice rink at Phalen Recreational Center, and the repair cost could run as much as $30,000, the Pioneer Press reports.

Now the facility's opening day, typically around Thanksgiving, might be delayed.

St. Paul has a tradition of maintaining public ice rinks around the city. Here's a map.