I tried to reply to this last week, but I have a stupid mailer and the
list didn't like what it generated.  So I've played around with it and
am trying again.....
 
I just couldn't pass jumping in on this one with another perspective.
 
I've only seen Division I games at the Great Dane, the Bradley Center,
the St. Paul Civic Center, and in North Dakota (I don't even know if
it's the current rink).  I also was at that Vulcans game durin the
Phinal Phour weekend last year.
 
I definitely like Bradley Center, and I've had some seats that were
close to the rafters, although it was a long time ago.  I've also had
the chance to use a luxury box for a game, that was really awesome,
although definitely not a necessity for a college rink.
 
I too hate to admit it, but I was impressed by the new Mariucci.  I
would like to see a game there someday when the place is full, I
imagine it's pretty ominous.
 
OK, for the other perspective, I have skated in games at the Great
Dane, the St. Cloud rink, and even though it's not Division I, the
University of Illinois rink.  While not all of these games have
been college hockey I hope that I am right that it will add to the
discussion and therefore be tolerated.  Both St. Could and Illinois
have Olympic ice sheets - or so they appeared.  I really think I could
get used to this when playing and although I haven't seen any games
played on it I would imagine that my reaction would be the same.  I
think it allows for a more open game where players have more options
and passing becomes even more important.  I played at the Great Dane
this year (so it was with the new ice), but it still didn't seem that
big.  Maybe I was just too much in awe to actually be skating in the
rink where I have watched so many great players and games.  Not to
mention the felling of looking up when stepping on the ice and seeing
the Bob Johnson quote of fame.
 
I was really impressed with the Illinois rink, for a school that I
believe (correct me it I'm wrong) only has a club team the facilities
were great.  It was a bit weird walking up and down the stairs between
the locker rooms and the ice, but overall I was impressed.  I'm not
sure what it would be like to watch a game at Illinois, since there
weren't really any ice-side seats to speak off, but the PA system was
good, and I would imagine the place can rock.
 
Wendy Istvanick
University of Wisconsin - 88 and 93
Wisconsin Women's Hockey - 92-94
Chicago Ice - 94