Games showcase two of college hockey's premier rinks

By Arun Gopal

Daily Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS - 11,274. 9,767.

These were the reported attendances at Wisconsin's Kohl Center and at Minnesota's Mariucci Arena, respectively, for Michigan's two games of the College Hockey Showcase.

Now, consider these numbers: 1,975. 2,450.

These were the attendance figures for Michigan games at Bowling Green and Ferris State, respectively.

Granted, the Ferris State crowd, led by the raucous "Dawg Pound" was one of the loudest crowds imaginable.

But, there were still only one-fifth as many people in Big Rapids - where the game was sold out - as there were in Madison, and the Kohl Center was only about two-thirds full due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

In 14 games, the Michigan hockey team has run the gamut of road venues.

The Wolverines have played in pro-style, state-of-the-art facilities like the Kohl Center that cost tens of millions to build and boast every imaginable amenity.

But, at the same time, they have played in bandboxes like BGSU Ice Arena, where the ceiling is so low that it is possible to stand on the top row of the bleachers and touch it.

"It's a little more hostile in an arena like Ferris State's," assistant captain Scott Matzka said after Saturday's game against Minnesota. "But, I would hate to see it in here if you're down a couple goals or if they get a shorthanded goal or something like that."

As Matzka points out, the environment is more intimate - and, perhaps, more hostile - in a small arena like Ferris State's Ewigleben Ice Arena.

In Big Rapids, the fans are almost literally on top of the ice, making a crowd of 2,500 sound more like 10,000.

But, it is hard to resist the allure of a glamorous arena such as Mariucci Arena or the Kohl Center. The opportunity to play or watch college hockey in a pro-style environment is difficult for any player of fan to pass up.

"It's great," Michigan goalie Josh Blackburn said. "I don't know if it's kind of an NHL feeling, but the games were played in two beautiful arenas, and it's a lot of fun to play in."

In particular, Minnesota's Mariucci Arena drew raves from the Wolverines.

Constructed in 1993, Mariucci Arena has all of the creature comforts one would associate with a modern sports arena. With a capacity of 10,000, it has the feel of a professional building.

At the same time, the home of the Golden Gophers manages to preserve some of the old-school charm and intimidation that opponents feel when playing in smaller, older venues like Yost Ice Arena or Ewigleben Arena. As a result, the reviews for Mariucci Arena were nothing but positive.

"I think this is one of the most amazing rinks I've ever played in," defenseman Andy Burnes said. "It's definitely a little different feel than at Bowling Green, where the fans are right on top of you."

"This is probably the greatest facility in college hockey," forward Josh Langfeld added. "The guys on our team are just loving the ice, and it's a great environment to play in."

All of this begs the question, Which type of arena is tougher for a visiting team?

The best answer came courtesy of Matzka.

"I think as far as the fans go, they don't play a huge role in the game if you're winning," he said.