St. Cloud State University

The National Hockey Center, which is located on the south end of the SCSU campus has been home to Husky Hockey since December 1989.  The NHC is a multi-purpose facility featuring two Olympic size sheets of ice under one roof.  Overall the facility measures 138,000 square feet with each sheet of ice measuring 200x100.

The main ice arena, which has been named in honor of former SCSU president Brendan J. McDonald (an advocate for the Huskies' move to Division I in 1987-88), seats 5,371 spectators.  The lower level seating features seatbacks, while additional seatback were added in some of the upper level seating areas in 2000 and 2006.  The remainder of the upper level seating is bench style.

The main arena has several VIP suites on the east end of the rink.  Two new scoreboards with video replay monitors were added in 2004.  The wide concourse of the main arena features full concession stands, bathroom facilities, ticket office (with Ticketmaster) and in-game television monitors located throughout the arena.  On game, a souvenir stand includes a full line of SCSU merchandise.

Fans can also check out team photos from SCSU's Division I era, along with a display of jerseys from SCSU's alumni playing in the NHL.  Media providing coverage for NHC events are able to work in a spacious press box along the upper level of the building's north side.  The press box was remodeled in 2000, and it offers in-game statistic monitors and ample seating for print, broadcast and television media.  Press work rooms and interview areas are located on the lower level of the NHC.  An elevator provides complete access to all levels of the building.

NHC Weight Training Facility

The second sheet of ice is adjacent to the main arena, and it can accomodate several hundred spectators.  Two Zambonis maintain and groom the ice sheets on both rinks (which is widely recognized as one of the best ice surfaces in the WCHA).

On the lower level, one can find 11 locker rooms, two officials rooms, a fully equipped training room, a weight lifting/fitness center, player lounges, a classroom, a facility manager's office, NHC pro shop, equipment rooms and office space for the St. Cloud State University coaches.

The NHC Men's Hockey Locker Room

The Huskies' locker rooms are just steps from the main arena.  These areas provided players with an outstanding location to prepare for games and practice.  The main area of the locker rooms features spacious wood lockers for each player, and the areas are connected to the players' lounges, training room and equipment room.

The players' lounges provide a comfortable retreat for the SCSU players before and after practices and games.  The lounges feature a wide screen television, plush seating arrangements and several computer work stations for the SCSU student-athletes.

The NHC Training Room

The images on this page include the National Hockey Center's main arena, the Huskies' locker room, the NHC weight training and fitness center and the National Hockey Center Athletic Training and Sports Medicine facilty.  Julie Alexander and Bryan DeMaine oversee the NHC's Athletic Training staff.

The NHC is also used for concerts, graduation ceremonies and other campus functions.  The facility has been a long-time host for the USA Hockey Select 15 and 17 Festivals, and many Minnesota State High School League playoff games. 

For complete information about the National Hockey Center (including ice rental, leagues and open skating), please call Joe Meierhofer at 320-308-3327 or e-mail him at jmeierhofer@stcloudstate.edu,

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