When going to a hockey game, something arguably as important as the game itself is the fan experience. One of the most important parts of the fan experience is the environment in which the game itself is played. Enter the arenas, fondly nicknamed "barns" by avid hockey fans. Long ago, hockey games used to be played inside of barns, eventually moving into larger rinks, which were designed similarly to barns. Not only do barns house the teams, but they hold years of history and memories. Here are some of the most beloved arenas from hockey leagues across North America.
Madison Square Garden: Home of the New York Rangers
Courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
If there’s one rink that has plenty of stories to tell, it is definitely Madison Square Garden. The famous hockey arena is the oldest in the NHL, with the current location having been built in 1968. It has been named the "Coolest Arena" in the United States by Rolling Stone, and the "Venue of the Decade" by Billboard. Being able to play at a venue so historic is an honor that has been described as the "pinnacle of an athlete’s career."
The Garden has seen plenty of exciting hockey moments. For instance, it saw the expansion of the Original Six to12 teams during the 1967 NHL expansion, the Rangers winning their most recent Stanley Cup in 1994 and Wayne Gretzky playing the final game of his legendary career in1999.
It’s not one of the most famous arenas in the world for no reason. Every hockey season, thousands of rabid fans pack it out to watch their favorite teams play. The Garden’s unique circular shape gives fans a more intimate experience than the traditional oval-shaped hockey rink.
Even the NHL players and coaches have come to respect that the Garden occupies a special spot in the sport. Though Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette is in his second season coaching the team, he grew to understand the importance of the arena while playing for the Rangers during the 1988-89 season.
“I think you grow to appreciate Madison Square Garden,” he said. “The history of the New York Rangers, the fan base. I think you appreciate that more when you are in it, and you are living it every day. You see the passion of the fans, which is unbelievable. The history that goes behind this team is pretty special, so to be here… is a great thing for all of us.”
Bell Centre: Home of the Montreal Canadiens
Courtesy of John Mahoney/Montreal Gazette
Though the Bell Centre is relatively young, it has been nicknamed "the Mecca of hockey" in recent years. Going back to before the Bell Centre was built, the Canadiens played at The Forum, which was where fans witnessed the team build their dynasty that won 22 Stanley Cups. When the Canadiens opened the Bell Centre in 1996, their success didn’t necessarily transfer over to the new arena per se, but the energy of the fans did.
Every season, fans pack the seats of the Bell Centre in a sea of red, blue and white, cheering loudly in English and French and keeping the energy high for hours on end. Without fail, they always show up, no matter the team’s record. In fact, during the 2022-23 season, the Canadiens held the record for most fans in attendance, despite having the worst record in their division.
Players and coaches from other teams also understand the magnitude of what it means to play at the Bell Centre, in a city that is known for its rich hockey culture.
“It’s a fun building to play in,” Utah Hockey Club head coach André Tourigny said in an interview back in February. “You will see before the puck drops, there will already be a lot of emotion in the building and when they will say ‘Accueillons nos Canadiens’, you will see the vibe will be unreal.’’
“I think there’s a buzz around it is pretty exciting and I think a lot of that comes from the history…” Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi added. “You look up in the rafters and there’s so much history, so it’s a pretty special place.”
Yost Ice Arena: Home of the University of Michigan Wolverines
Courtesy of Michigan Daily
Transitioning to college hockey, Yost Ice Arena probably has the most history of all. The arena was originally built in 1923 as Yost Field House to serve as a practice facility for football and baseball during the winter, as well as to host basketball games and indoor track meets. However, in 1973, the arena underwent renovations to turn it into an ice arena, where it is now home to Michigan’s ice hockey teams.
With its cathedral-like structure, with tall glass windows and wood paneling on the outside, fans have nicknamed Yost "the Cathedral of College Hockey." These fans, who are dedicated to everything Michigan hockey, are called "the Children of Yost." This student-led crowd can be heard cheering from all over campus, and they praise the hockey team to a level that student sections at other schools can’t match.
From the past to the present, players old and new understand and are awed by this historic arena and its boisterous fan base.
“It’s an old barn with a lot of history. Then you have the students that live for the team and the university. They’re on their feet the whole game. The intensity and all the noise is like a sixth man on the ice and it gives us extra energy. There is no place like it,” said former forward Eric Nystrom.
“It’s incredible,” said forward Josh Eernessie in an interview last November. “Even from the preseason against Simon Frasier, the student section is going every single night. It’s a sold out place, and you can really feel the energy from the fans. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before up until this point in my career.”
Ralph Engelstad Arena: Home of the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Courtesy of Russell Hons/University of North Dakota Athletics
Ralph Engelstad Arena or "the Ralph," as it is called by UND students and fans, is arguably one of the nicest college hockey arenas. The idea for the Ralph was dreamt up in 1998, when former UND Fighting Hawk (then Sioux) hockey goalie and longtime donor Ralph Engelstad decided he wanted to give back to his alma mater. After putting together a team of UND staff and top designers, Engelstad and his team studied the best hockey facilities in the world, combined their best aspects and set out to bring their dream to life in as short of a window as possible. Engelstad and his team made sure everything was perfect, from the acoustics to the zamboni, to make sure that everyone who entered the building, whether athlete, student, or fan, had a great experience.
Fans certainly have had the time of their lives in the Ralph. The arena has 11,568 seats and has exceeded capacity 168 times since it opened its doors in 2001. Being the home of the only Division I hockey team in North Dakota, students and fans love going to games to cheer on and sing “Chelsea Dagger” at the tops of their lungs.
Being described by many as an "architectural masterpiece," experiencing the environment of the Ralph, along with its egotistic and passionate fan base, is unforgettable.
These barns have years of history and stories written in their walls. They have been called second homes to players and avid fans over the years and will continue to tell the stories of those who’ve passed through their doors for years to come.
Edited by Jenna Mandarano
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