National Hockey Center
National Hockey Center
Proposed exterior of the National Hockey and Event Center.
(Images courtesy of JLG Architects)
Watch the new National Hockey and Event Center video (Click Here)
Highlights
- Opened December 1989
- Home to Division 1 Men and Women's Hockey
- 2 Olympic Sheets of Ice
- Main Rink Capacity of 6,600
- Pro Shop
- Locker Rooms
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
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 facility is home to many programs including SCSU Division I men’s and women’s programs. The National Hockey Center also hosts Intramural Leagues, Club Hockey, St. John’s Division III men’s hockey, St. Cloud Technical High School, and other various programs and events.
The main ice arena, has been named in honor of former SCSU president Brendan J. McDonald (an advocate for the Huskies' move to Division I in 1987-88).
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.
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. An elevator provides complete access to all levels of the building.
The second sheet of ice is adjacent to the main arena, and it can accommodate 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 Huskies' locker rooms are just steps from the main arena. 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 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
Hours
June Ice Rental Hours - please contact 320-308-3327 for more information.
July - September Ice Rental Hours
| Open Hockey- Fall / Spring | |
| Monday - Tuesday | Noon-1:30pm |
| Wednesday (Over 29) | Noon-1:30pm |
| Thursday - Friday | Noon-1:30pm |
| Saturday - Sunday | Closed |
| Open Skating- Fall / Spring | |
| Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri | Noon-1:30pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 6pm-7:15pm |
Schedule subject to change. Call Pro Shop at 320-308-5103 for changes.
**Open Hockey and Open Skating not offered over the summer**
Men (over 29) Open Hockey
Schedule (PDF)
Adult Sunrise Skating
Women's Open Hockey
Womens Open Hockey Schedule - Coming Fall 09'
