At 12:01 PM 1-24-2001 -0500, Rick McAdoo wrote:
>Is this common in the prep ranks, to build an Olympic-sized ice
>surface?  Are there other non-collegiate rinks that are this size, or do
>most use the smaller surface (which I have to believe is a lot
>cheaper.)
<snip>
>I know some of the recently-built college rinks have gone to the larger
>surface, particularly in the WCHA and UNH in Hockey East.  Is this
>evidence of the increasing awareness and prestige of international
>competitions in hockey circles?

I've got to think that larger is the direction hockey in general is going,
or at least more ice surface/skater - witness the NHL's 5x5 overtime.  It
also fits nicely with my preference for watching the game.  I enjoy
watching a quick passing team, and the larger rink, IMHO, encourages speed
and skill.  (Course, I have to admit a certain thrill at seeing a nice,
clean hipcheck at center ice...)

However, I would think that retrofitting all those old barns is going to be
an expensive proposition, if not impossible.  I know Saint Lawrence
enlarged their sheet a few years back, and for my 2¢ worth, Appleton is a
great place to watch college hockey.  But they had to take out some seating
to do it.

Does anyone still have a 185 foot sheet?

Joe
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