Best Rinks in college hockey

[LTsatch]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

I am surprised not to hear any Quinnipiac fans mention the TD Bank Sports complex. It is actually a beautiful building, I just do not like it as a hockey rink. Maybe I am used to Ingalls but I find the place to be actually too bright, in lighting and color scheme "yellow". There is also a lack of sound from the ice, not sure if it is the expanse of the place or the height of the magnificently trussed roof. It is cool that it is a dual purpose facility, drinking beers between periods in the basketball concourse is fun.

http://athleticsmedia.quinnipiac.edu/athletics/Tickets/TDBNSC-Ice-Hockey-2009.jpg

 

[TonyTheTiger20]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

I hear ya, but normally there are only 3-4 "light shows" post goal at home. Unfortunately due to the fact that BU is horrible, they have to play that "light show" thing several times. Also, we always have to replace the red light bulbs behind the goals after BU comes in. Beating your sad team is becoming very costly to our university...

This post wins.

Have you come up to a game this year? They (finally) repalced the lighting over the summer, along with some other much needed upgrades (new, seamless glass, dashers, etc). The lighting is much better, both from a fan's perspective and from skating during open skate, the shadows are gone. Not to mention the new NHL corners, and the goal lines moved so they're only 11' from the boards as opposed to 18' (that's what I was told, I didn't measure it). I am told the next step is FINALLY putting in a real scoreboard - when the building was built, funding ran out for the scoreboard that was originally intended. The hookups for a center-ice video board are there, just waiting for something to hang on them.

As for cutting corners . . . yep. They could have installed air conditioning for another $35,000 at the time of construction, and decided not to. They've lost a (conservative) estimated $250,000 is revenue from not being able to use the building for much in the summer. That's a good chunk of a scoreboard, right there.

Somebody mentioned "Whit is Agganis on a budget". I'd say that Agannis is actually the Whit with money, since it was built after the Whit. I read online that the Agannis was designed to incorportate a lot of things from the Whit.

Now, if only the Whit would incorporate the beer they sell at Agganis . . .

I have to say, I really like going to games at the Whit. Some great entertainment watching the dumbest looking student section in college hockey.

In all seriousness... that thing in the beginning of periods where they go "SII-II-IEVE....... SII-II-IEVE..... SIEVE! SIEVE! SIEVE! SIEVE!" to that jock jams thing ... I think that might be the most clever thing at any arena.

What's the complaint about parking at Conte? Granted, somebody mentioned getting to the campus on a Friday evening can be tough but the actual parking situation once you're there is probably one of best around. There's a seven story garage only steps from the building and it's free. How is that an issue?

I was wondering this too... I always thought the parking at Conte was spectacular. And the garage is the easiest to exit of any I've ever been in, with an exit at the top and bottom, and the bottom exit splitting into two directions right when you get out.

part of me wishes BU still played at Walter Brown.

I would pay any amount of money to watch a BC vs. BU men's game at Walter Brown. Even the women's games are loud.

 

[DominicHennig]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Hey Guys, I made a website for this - Visit www.CCHAArenas.com for pics of all the CCHA Arenas.

 

[sterlippo1]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

[QUOTE=TonyTheTiger20;4987761


And the garage is the easiest to exit of any I've ever been in, with an exit at the top and bottom, and the bottom exit splitting into two directions right when you get out.

shhhh, you arent supposed to tell anyone about that top exit

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

I am surprised not to hear any Quinnipiac fans mention the TD Bank Sports complex. It is actually a beautiful building, I just do not like it as a hockey rink. Maybe I am used to Ingalls but I find the place to be actually too bright, in lighting and color scheme "yellow". There is also a lack of sound from the ice, not sure if it is the expanse of the place or the height of the magnificently trussed roof. It is cool that it is a dual purpose facility, drinking beers between periods in the basketball concourse is fun.

http://athleticsmedia.quinnipiac.edu/athletics/Tickets/TDBNSC-Ice-Hockey-2009.jpg

At least when I was there (the first couple years, I hear this may have changed recently), they don't take too kindly to pep bands, including their own. Sure it's modern, but it's also tough to get to.

 

[Puckie14]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

At least when I was there (the first couple years, I hear this may have changed recently), they don't take too kindly to pep bands, including their own. Sure it's modern, but it's also tough to get to.

We're lucky to hear the Quinnipiac Pep Band play 3 songs during the course of 1 hockey game. For some reason, the QU brass feel that fans rather hear music from the PA system than from our own pep band.

 

[sshablak]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Colgate Starr rink!!!

 

[manurespreader]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Dee stadium, the old MTU rink, had a balcony that almost overhung the rink right behind the goalies. You were about 15 ft in the air and 12 ft behind the goalie with an unobstructed view. That was a great place to watch a game.

 

[Puck Swami]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

We're lucky to hear the Quinnipiac Pep Band play 3 songs during the course of 1 hockey game. For some reason, the QU brass feel that fans rather hear music from the PA system than from our own pep band.

You are not alone. Denver's band gets about 1-2 songs per period and they only get to play about half the home hockey games.

 

[J.D.]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Not to ruin anyone's fun, but this thread comes up as often as the BTHC

Let me take a stab at the usual suspects:

Lynah
Alfond
Gutterson
Matthews
Yost
Ingalls

Basically, if it's old, it's good. Right?

 

[allnightwong]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

I am surprised not to hear any Quinnipiac fans mention the TD Bank Sports complex. It is actually a beautiful building, I just do not like it as a hockey rink. Maybe I am used to Ingalls but I find the place to be actually too bright, in lighting and color scheme "yellow". There is also a lack of sound from the ice, not sure if it is the expanse of the place or the height of the magnificently trussed roof. It is cool that it is a dual purpose facility, drinking beers between periods in the basketball concourse is fun.
http://athleticsmedia.quinnipiac.edu/athletics/Tickets/TDBNSC-Ice-Hockey-2009.jpg

The Bank when its full is as nice and intimidating as any rink in the league. Obviously you've seen this for the Yale games LTsatch. We keep getting stuck having important league games during winter break which is unfortunate. The whole look of the complex is gorgeous, with the student center looming up on the hill, you really get that ski lodge type feel...especially with all the snow we had against 'Gate on Friday. I enjoy the Bank but it's a far more impressive building when it's full.

The music choice, lack of band and general feel does certainly seem like a minor league hockey atmosphere which I hate, especially since I used to be part of the enemy going to games at the Whale when I was a kid. I like a traditional rink like the next guy but as far as watching a game in the Bank, there are no bad sight lines, the lighting is fine for a hockey game and the yellow adds to the home atmosphere. It's one of our colors!

Personally, I'd like to see less piped in music, less "everybody clap your hands" and the wave nonsense, students showing up regularly like they did when it first opened (when I was a student) and updated banners . But on the positive the parking has gotten much better, I haven't waited when leaving once this year. The foods gotten better, love the tenders and the University Club (for those who don't know, a large seating area, like a balcony) has been packed almost every game.

I like the Bank and the Whale but for completely different reasons and I don't think they are really comparable. I would like to see the Bank get more of the college hockey feel, rather than a Bridgeport Sound Tigers feel. We were hushed as students to be more family friendly and that was disappointing coming from the NIP where anything was fair game.

Few more images...
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_zNJ3uFj5b6o/Srqn76cnsgI/AAAAAAAAAEo/yPLhuxikcwU/tdbank.jpg
http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/85130175.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF8789215ABF3343C02EA548D41EF61E9BA6EB8A6C0A4C7976EF6C9A46BF444FDFEB3A48E30A760B0D811297
http://www.topboxdesign.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/at-Quinnipiac-University-by-Centerbrook-Architects-and-Planners-in-Connecticut-United-States-588x392.jpg

 

[bruno]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

If anyone ever goes there be sure to check out the Schley Room, while used for hospitality during games it contains photos of Yale teams going back to the 1880's

1880s? Not unless you count ice polo games. Yale's first collegiate ice hockey game was played against Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore on February 14, 1896.

 

[streaker]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Not to ruin anyone's fun, but this thread comes up as often as the BTHC

Let me take a stab at the usual suspects:

Lynah
Alfond
Gutterson
Matthews
Yost
Ingalls

Basically, if it's old, it's good. Right?

I don't care if it's old. I don't care what it looks like. I don't care if it doesn't have cushy NHL style leather seats. I don't care if it doesn't sit 15,000 people.
I like Yost because U-M wins 70% of the time there and opponents and their fans hate it.

 

[bruno]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Who has the best rink?

Best rink: University of North Dakota - The Ralph
Best barn: St. Lawrence University - Appleton Arena
Best new: Boston University - Agganis Arena
Best old: Northeastern University - Matthews Arena
Best relic: Princeton University - Hobey Baker Rink


And to back my choices up, here's a list of the venues I've visited over the years; eat your heart out, Federal League:

ECAC
Brown – Rhode Island Auditorium, Meehan Auditorium, Providence Civic Center
Clarkson – Walker Arena, Cheel Arena
Colgate – Starr Rink
Cornell – Lynah Rink
Dartmouth – Davis Rink, Thompson Arena
Harvard – Watson Rink, Bright Center
Pennsylvania – Class of ’23 Ice Rink
Princeton – Baker Rink
Quinnipiac – TD Banknorth Sports Center
Rensselaer– Houston (R.P.I.) Field House
St. Lawrence – Appleton Arena
Union – Messa (Achilles) Rink
Yale – New Haven Arena, Ingalls Rink

HEA
Boston College – Boston Arena, McHugh Forum, Kelley Rink, Conte Forum
Boston Univ.– Boston Arena, Boston Garden, Walter Brown Skating Pavilion, Agganis Arena
Merrimack – Lawler (Volpe Center) Arena
Maine - Alfond Arena, Cumberland County Civic Center
New Hampshire - Snivley Arena, Whittemore Center
Northeastern – Matthews (Boston) Arena
Providence College – Rhode Island Auditorium, Schneider Arena
UMass-Amherst - Mullins Center
Umass-Lowell - Tully Forum & Tsongas Arena
Vermont - Gutterson Fieldhouse

CCHA
Michigan – Yost Ice Arena
Nebraska-Omaha - Qwest Center

WCHA
Denver – D.U. Arena, Magness Arena
Colorado College - World Arena
Minnesota – Mariucci Arena
North Dakota - Ralph Engelstad Arena

AH
Army – Smith Rink, Tate Rink
Air Force Academy - Cadet Ice Arena
Connecticut – Freitas Ice (UConn Ice Arena) Forum
Holy Cross – Hart Recreation Center

Division III
Amherst – Orr Rink
Colby – Alfond Arena
Wesleyan – Spurrier-Snyder (Wesleyan Arena) Rink
Williams – Lansing Chapman Rink

NCAA
Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim CA (FF)
Boston Garden, Fleet Center, (TD) Banknorth Garden, Boston (FFs)
Bradley Center, Milwaukee (FFs)
Centrum. DCU, Worcester (Regional)
D.U. Arena, Denver (FF)
HSBC Arena, Buffalo (FF)
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, (Regional), (FF)
Knickerbocker Arena, Pepsi Arena, Times-Union Center, Albany (Regional), (FFs)
Meehan Auditorium, Providence (FF)
1980 Olympic Arena, Lake Placid (FF)
Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse (FF)
Pepsi Center, Denver (FF)
Providence Civic Center, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence (FFs)
Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati (FF)
R.P.I. Field House, Troy (FF)
Scottrade Center, St. Louis (FF)
Shottenstein Center, Columbus (FF)
St. Paul Civic Center, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul (FFs)
Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica (FF)
Verizon Center, Washington, DC (FF)


Other
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, New York
Madison Square Garden, New York (8th Avenue & Penn Station locations)
McNichols Arena, Denver
Richfield Coliseum, Ohio


That's a lot of road miles, but I don't regret a single trip.

 

[Federal League]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

And to back my choices up, here's a list of the venues I've visited over the years; eat your heart out, Federal League:

In my defense, I'm only 21. That's one hell of a list, though. If I end up with even half of that, I'll be happy.

 

[FlagDUDE08]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Best rink: University of North Dakota - The Ralph
Best barn: St. Lawrence University - Appleton Arena
Best new: Boston University - Agganis Arena
Best old: Northeastern University - Matthews Arena
Best relic: Princeton University - Hobey Baker Rink


And to back my choices up, here's a list of the venues I've visited over the years; eat your heart out, Federal League:

ECAC
Brown – Rhode Island Auditorium, Meehan Auditorium, Providence Civic Center
Clarkson – Walker Arena, Cheel Arena
Colgate – Starr Rink
Cornell – Lynah Rink
Dartmouth – Davis Rink, Thompson Arena
Harvard – Watson Rink, Bright Center
Pennsylvania – Class of ’23 Ice Rink
Princeton – Baker Rink
Quinnipiac – TD Banknorth Sports Center
Rensselaer– Houston (R.P.I.) Field House
St. Lawrence – Appleton Arena
Union – Messa (Achilles) Rink
Yale – New Haven Arena, Ingalls Rink

HEA
Boston College – Boston Arena, McHugh Forum, Kelley Rink, Conte Forum
Boston Univ.– Boston Arena, Boston Garden, Walter Brown Skating Pavilion, Agganis Arena
Merrimack – Lawler (Volpe Center) Arena
Maine - Alfond Arena, Cumberland County Civic Center
New Hampshire - Snivley Arena, Whittemore Center
Northeastern – Matthews (Boston) Arena
Providence College – Rhode Island Auditorium, Schneider Arena
UMass-Amherst - Mullins Center
Umass-Lowell - Tully Forum & Tsongas Arena
Vermont - Gutterson Fieldhouse

CCHA
Michigan – Yost Ice Arena
Nebraska-Omaha - Qwest Center

WCHA
Denver – D.U. Arena, Magness Arena
Colorado College - World Arena
Minnesota – Mariucci Arena
North Dakota - Ralph Engelstad Arena

AH
Army – Smith Rink, Tate Rink
Air Force Academy - Cadet Ice Arena
Connecticut – Freitas Ice (UConn Ice Arena) Forum
Holy Cross – Hart Recreation Center

Division III
Amherst – Orr Rink
Colby – Alfond Arena
Wesleyan – Spurrier-Snyder (Wesleyan Arena) Rink
Williams – Lansing Chapman Rink

NCAA
Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim CA (FF)
Boston Garden, Fleet Center, (TD) Banknorth Garden, Boston (FFs)
Bradley Center, Milwaukee (FFs)
Centrum. DCU, Worcester (Regional)
D.U. Arena, Denver (FF)
HSBC Arena, Buffalo (FF)
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, (Regional), (FF)
Knickerbocker Arena, Pepsi Arena, Times-Union Center, Albany (Regional), (FFs)
Meehan Auditorium, Providence (FF)
1980 Olympic Arena, Lake Placid (FF)
Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse (FF)
Pepsi Center, Denver (FF)
Providence Civic Center, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence (FFs)
Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati (FF)
R.P.I. Field House, Troy (FF)
Scottrade Center, St. Louis (FF)
Shottenstein Center, Columbus (FF)
St. Paul Civic Center, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul (FFs)
Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica (FF)
Verizon Center, Washington, DC (FF)


Other
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, New York
Madison Square Garden, New York (8th Avenue & Penn Station locations)
McNichols Arena, Denver
Richfield Coliseum, Ohio


That's a lot of road miles, but I don't regret a single trip.

Do you ever go to any of Brown's women's games? Maybe there was a chance you had gone to Northford (before TD was built), or if Brown has played SU yet, Tennilly. Both are small as heck and nothing to write home about, but they're quaint little rinks.

 

[LTsatch]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

1880s? Not unless you count ice polo games. Yale's first collegiate ice hockey game was played against Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore on February 14, 1896.

I stand corrected, too lazy last night to look it up, What's a decade or two among fans

 

[StayPuftMMcu]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Best Student Section: Cornell is most creative

Most Intimidating; Cornell.

While both of these definitely USED to be true, they aren't anymore. I've been to at least a dozen Cornell games in the last 8 years and I haven't heard a single innovative cheer that wasn't developed back in the Mike Schafer playing days or earlier with the exception of Hey Baby, which was still from the late 90s.

It's also decreased in intimidation factor a lot in recent years, which I attribute to the new developments in student section ticket disbursment. "The Line" was eliminated and so people who only cared a little got tickets and some of the more rabid fans got screwed hardcore. They've also had a huge crackdown on offensive behavior and cursing which has quieted the place down quite a bit as well. When I first saw a game there in 2004 it was unreal. While my perceptions have most definitely changed since then, I bet Cornell fans will agree - it's not the same anymore.

 

[jdevoejr]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

Best rink: University of North Dakota - The Ralph
Best barn: St. Lawrence University - Appleton Arena
Best new: Boston University - Agganis Arena
Best old: Northeastern University - Matthews Arena
Best relic: Princeton University - Hobey Baker Rink


And to back my choices up, here's a list of the venues I've visited over the years; eat your heart out, Federal League:

ECAC
Brown – Rhode Island Auditorium, Meehan Auditorium, Providence Civic Center
Clarkson – Walker Arena, Cheel Arena
Colgate – Starr Rink
Cornell – Lynah Rink
Dartmouth – Davis Rink, Thompson Arena
Harvard – Watson Rink, Bright Center
Pennsylvania – Class of ’23 Ice Rink
Princeton – Baker Rink
Quinnipiac – TD Banknorth Sports Center
Rensselaer– Houston (R.P.I.) Field House
St. Lawrence – Appleton Arena
Union – Messa (Achilles) Rink
Yale – New Haven Arena, Ingalls Rink

HEA
Boston College – Boston Arena, McHugh Forum, Kelley Rink, Conte Forum
Boston Univ.– Boston Arena, Boston Garden, Walter Brown Skating Pavilion, Agganis Arena
Merrimack – Lawler (Volpe Center) Arena
Maine - Alfond Arena, Cumberland County Civic Center
New Hampshire - Snivley Arena, Whittemore Center
Northeastern – Matthews (Boston) Arena
Providence College – Rhode Island Auditorium, Schneider Arena
UMass-Amherst - Mullins Center
Umass-Lowell - Tully Forum & Tsongas Arena
Vermont - Gutterson Fieldhouse

CCHA
Michigan – Yost Ice Arena
Nebraska-Omaha - Qwest Center

WCHA
Denver – D.U. Arena, Magness Arena
Colorado College - World Arena
Minnesota – Mariucci Arena
North Dakota - Ralph Engelstad Arena

AH
Army – Smith Rink, Tate Rink
Air Force Academy - Cadet Ice Arena
Connecticut – Freitas Ice (UConn Ice Arena) Forum
Holy Cross – Hart Recreation Center

Division III
Amherst – Orr Rink
Colby – Alfond Arena
Wesleyan – Spurrier-Snyder (Wesleyan Arena) Rink
Williams – Lansing Chapman Rink

NCAA
Arrowhead Pond, Anaheim CA (FF)
Boston Garden, Fleet Center, (TD) Banknorth Garden, Boston (FFs)
Bradley Center, Milwaukee (FFs)
Centrum. DCU, Worcester (Regional)
D.U. Arena, Denver (FF)
HSBC Arena, Buffalo (FF)
Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, (Regional), (FF)
Knickerbocker Arena, Pepsi Arena, Times-Union Center, Albany (Regional), (FFs)
Meehan Auditorium, Providence (FF)
1980 Olympic Arena, Lake Placid (FF)
Onondaga War Memorial Auditorium, Syracuse (FF)
Pepsi Center, Denver (FF)
Providence Civic Center, Dunkin’ Donuts Center, Providence (FFs)
Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati (FF)
R.P.I. Field House, Troy (FF)
Scottrade Center, St. Louis (FF)
Shottenstein Center, Columbus (FF)
St. Paul Civic Center, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul (FFs)
Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica (FF)
Verizon Center, Washington, DC (FF)


Other
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, New York
Madison Square Garden, New York (8th Avenue & Penn Station locations)
McNichols Arena, Denver
Richfield Coliseum, Ohio


That's a lot of road miles, but I don't regret a single trip.

What??? You haven't been to the John Ryan arena to see Bentley Play??? You haven't lived!!

 

[davyd83]

Re: Best Rinks in college hockey

From what I've seen this year, the rinks at Miami, Bemidji State and Denver are all outstanding facilities. Add Minnesota and Wisconsin as well. The only problem with Omaha and Ohio State is that the buildings far outsize their programs. I've also always liked Michigan Tech. Great sightlines and with the recent renovations have really been a plus.