My apologies if something about this was put on the list earlier. A few days ago the local newspaper carried an article reporting that NMU and the city of Marquette are engaged in a serious (as in, "we're spending over $20,000 for the architectural review") planning effort involving Lakeview Arena. Since Lakeview is (no doubt correctly) rated as the worst rink in the WCHA by both our own coach and one of the hockey-l posters, this is good news. The NMU/Marquette effort is looking at a comprehensive renovation of Lakeview, in fact I'd call it a complete replacement. The city manager was quoted as saying the building's roof would be removed and most of the interior structure would go, leaving only some of the current block and cement floor. The idea is to have an Olympic-sized ice sheet and much improved seating, concessions, and (home) locker facilities. Funny how the visiting team locker room doesn't seem a priority! ;-) The story said the officials involved agree that the cost of the project would be such that one of the three ice sheets now in Marquette would probably have to be abandoned. (I guess that's because the cost of the payments on the bonds which presumably would be floated would make impossible keeping up the maintenance on one of the other ice sheets. It was said that the sheet in NMU's PEIF (physical education instructional facility) building would be the one eliminated. (There are two sheets in Lakeview itself; the smaller one has very limited seating and is used for youth hockey, ice skating practice, etc.) I suppose going down to two ice sheets in the town will cause a lot of consternation among the local ice skating enthusiasts (there is an active figure skating association here), and maybe among the youth and junior hockey leagues. Currently, NMU practices as well as plays at Lakeview, which leaves the PEIF always available for others, as well as one or the other of the two Lakeview sheets. This project, which is far from definite at this point, wouldn't result in a new building until 1997 or so, as I recall the story. Also, Rick Comley was quoted as saying it would be so extensive that for one year NMU would have to play on the PEIF ice sheet, "and cram in 2,000" fans. That raises some really interesting questions; I'm certain season ticket sales currently total more than 3,000. I can imagine the outcry as a 1,000 season ticket holders find they don't get to watch for a season. But, the improvement would certainly be a welcome change once the facility is finished. Well, almost time to go see the nation's top-ranked team, Colorado College,tangle with the Wildcats. I see the CHODR predicts the Tigers will beat the 'Cats 6-2. Here's hoping we play above our current stats level. ********************************************************************** * Steve Christopher, NMU [log in to unmask] GO 'CATS!!! * **********************************************************************