Neither the Bethel men's or women's hockey programs had ever had an ice rink to call "home" until Jan. 19, 2007. That's the day they officially moved their home ice from Columbia Arena in Fridley, Minn., to Bethel University Arena at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. Current Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Governor Wendell Anderson were on hand to dedicate the rink with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the men's first game, a 5-0 win over St. John's University. Six weeks later, Bethel University Arena became the site of the men's first MIAC playoff championship, which gave them an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.
The Schwan's Super Rink at the National Sports Center is the largest ice arena of its kind. This state-of-the-art, $21 million facility features eight sheets of ice under one roof totaling more than 300,000 square feet. Bethel University Arena was part of a major expansion that took place in 2006 to include four new sheets of ice and the locker rooms that are home to the Royals hockey programs. The Royals locker room features separate rooms for players and coaches, laundry machines, exercise equipment, and skate sharpening, making it one of the premier facilities in all of college hockey. Also added was the 12,500 square foot Herb Brooks Training Center that offers weight training, speed, and fitness machines.
The 2007-08 season marked the Royals first full season in their new home. The arena, coupled with the support of the student body, parents, loved ones, and other loyal fans, will be the foundation of the men's hockey program for years to come.
