Berlin’s Notre Dame Arena Gets New Look, New Name

Berlin’s Notre Dame Arena Gets New Look, New Name
March 25, 2021

Notre Dame Arena, a fixture in the Berlin community for over 70 years, will be undergoing major
renovations thanks to a generous $300,000 donation from New Hampshire auto dealer Dan Dagesse. The
arena will also be newly christened “Nucar Notre Dame Arena.”

Dagesse is the Chairman of DCD Automotive Holdings, with 14 locations throughout Delaware,
Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. His exciting new brand, Nucar Automotive Group, has locally-based
locations in New Hampshire including Tilton, Gorham, and Plymouth. Dagesse also raised his family
in Gorham. His daughter, Jenny, and her husband, Mel, still live there. They own and operate a
business called Mountain Tire Corporation and are also on the board at DCD Automotive. Dagesse also
has a son, Christopher, who is also a part of the business serving as President.

Dagesse has been a longtime supporter of the arena, participating in hockey and athletic events in
the Berlin community.

“This renovation reflects our commitment to innovation, giving back and being an integral part of
the community,” Dagesse said. “We are also proud that the Nucar name will now not only be gracing
dealerships in New Hampshire but will also be attached to the arena.”

Dagesse’s ties to the arena also extend to arena Treasurer, Paul Grenier. Grenier was a top sales
associate for over 15 years at Berlin City Toyota, part of Berlin City Auto Group, previously owned
by Dagesse.

“I have the utmost respect for Dan. We go way back,” said Grenier. “Dan has always recognized the
cultural importance of hockey at the Notre Dame Arena. It’s a source of pride for the community and
Dan’s unbelievable donation will help preserve the arena and continue to make it a gathering place
for athletic and social events for many generations to come.”

This isn’t the first time Dagesse has made a huge contribution to the arena. In 2007, Dagesse
donated $250,000, helping with much needed renovations and putting the arena back on firm financial
footing. His latest donation will continue to accelerate renovations and promote financial
security, keeping the arena open despite the impacts of COVID-19.

In addition to his $300,000 donation, Dagesse is also committing to an annual
$30,000 pledge, which will go towards scholarships for teaching youths how to

skate and providing monetary assistance for those in need. Other exciting possible future plans
include the creation of a Nucar invitational hockey tournament.

The Notre Dame Arena, constructed in 1947 by the Catholic Church, is the second oldest indoor ice
hockey arena and the only 501(c)(4) non-profit arena in New Hampshire. It is currently home to the
largest number of New Hampshire Boys Ice Hockey State Championships and four National Amateur
champions.

In 2018, Dagesse returned to the dealership game in New Hampshire, acquiring the Chevrolet
dealership in Colebrook with his brother-in-law, Donald Noyes. In 2019, he went on to partner with
Shawn Hanlon and acquired Plymouth Ford and Hanlon’s AutoNorth Superstore in Gorham. This past
December, they added Nucar AutoMall of Tilton, formerly AutoServ into the mix. Hanlon is now
President of the Nucar New Hampshire platform. These three stores have had tremendous growth in
volume and employment since being acquired by Nucar.

Nucar introduces a new approach to car buying, enabling customers to buy a new or used car
completely online, without ever having to step foot inside a dealership. Roger Marois, Berlin
native and dedicated local salesperson, will be handling the North Country market helping customers
shop a tremendous selection of premier brands including Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Chevrolet,
Ford, Kia, Volkswagen, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and RAM. Nucar customers also enjoy confidence and
convenience with an available 20-year, 200,000-mile warranty, plus store-to-door delivery anywhere
in New England.

While the AutoServ, AutoNorth and Plymouth Ford names have changed to Nucar, Dagesse and his team
remain committed to the community, and carrying on the same legacy of excellence, which has
benefited over 100,000 satisfied customers.

“We’re excited to be introducing the innovative Nucar brand to New Hampshire,” Dagesse said. “Now
we’re looking forward to exceeding the expectations of many generations to come.”

For more information, visit your local Nucar dealer or shop completely online at
Nucar.com.

(Credit: Zadv / Nucar Press Release)

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