Hockey Day Minnesota 2023, whats all the fuss about?

What is Hockey Day Minnesota all about?

Hockey Day Minnesota focuses on promoting hockey in the state of Minnesota. It provides information about the game, its history and various events related to hockey that take place in the state. The site also has information on the Hockey Day Minnesota celebration, which is an annual event that celebrates the game of hockey in Minnesota.

When is Hockey Day Minnesota

Hockey being an outdoor activity Hockey Day Mn falls on January 26th-29th on 2023 and most years fall on the last few weeks in January.

First thoughts on visiting Hockey Day Minnesota

This was my first visit to an outdoor Hockey event at this scale and I was very impressed. Law enforcement had a very strong presence with the Ramsey County Sheriff directing traffic bundled up like polar bears.

Parking was pretty straight forward with a shuttle running from taymark in White bear lake and local manufacturing business in the area appeared to allow parking (I have no proof of this other than not getting towed)the parking area at Polar Lakes Park was full when I arrived on Saturday Evening around 7pm. The crowd inside the Warming house was well lubricated with drink stands providing liquid entertainment. Growing up in White Bear Lake the orange black jerseys looked familiar and had a highschool game feel.

One great thing about Minnesota winters is the cold and so the crowd had on their best winter gear. Which I would say leaned toward Middle class America. Snowmobile suits, carharts, and Ice Fishing gear was abundant. I wore my ECWC in woodland camo with buffalo bibs and jacket underneath. I was warm and comfy if not a little hot in the warming house.

The rink itself is a technical marvel, its plenty cold at the moment but just in case the rink was also supplied refrigarant. Stands on both sides where filled with chanting and cheering fans. I am not a fan of Pro sports, it seems a little odd to me to wear another mans name on my back and cheer on his prowess. This is different, it felt like community with smiles and cheers and generally happy Minnesotans having something to do. There is something to be said for the energy of a crowd, at moments the energy seems to boil over uncontrollably and then wanes as the moment Passes. Thousands of years ago these tribal arch enemies may have been waging war, today the worst the do is spill some beer which quickly turns to ice.

I went for good for gary a local cover band

Lots of great artists are performing this year and I may go back to listen to the Jake Nelson Band. Jake Nelson graduated a few years behind me and Covers and creates contry music. I haven't seen him perform before so I may go check that out. Looks like he is in the warming house from 3-5 on sunday.

I had a great time and recommend locals and visitors check out Hockey Day Minnesota.

Minnesota represents the State of Hockey in America. I grew up walking to the warming house and many long days where spent there, playing with friends, flirting with girls and playing hockey until the lights went out. Many days we would order pizzas to the rink and some of my best childhood memories and experiences came from the times at their. Hockey Day Minnesota does a great job Recreating that experience and its worth checking out