HOCKEY HOCKEY HOCKEY

My children did not grow up in the state of Minnesota. They spent most of their younger years in Kentucky, where the Kentucky Wildcats were everything. We didn't have a professional basketball team, professional football team, or any kind of hockey at that time, so ice skating was never really a thing for us.

However, I had nephews and cousins that were very into hockey here in Minnesota. When I would come home for the holidays, we would bundle up and head over to the Princeton Hockey arena and watch them play. I'm pretty sure that some of them had hockey skates on when they were two years old, so they all new; Minnesota WAS the state of hockey.

98.1 Minnesota's New Country logo
Get our free mobile app

YOU'RE SKATING AT THE AGE OF 2

My cousin had four kids in hockey; and from what I remember, there were a lot of roadtrips, staying over night in hotels all across the state for tournaments, and hockey pretty much ruled their calendars.

That's why I'm probably the only person in Minnesota who didn't know THIS existed; but now that I know, I think it's pretty incredible, and I wonder if there are any other locations in the state that have this as well. I think it's brilliant!

HOCKEYTOWN USA

Up in Warroad, known as "HockeyTown USA," they not only have produced NHL and Olympic hockey players, they also celebrate the love of hockey in a very unique way.

Visit The Hampton Inn in Warroad, Minnesota and you will see a door on the inside that says "Hampton Arena."  When you step inside you'll find this amazing place for kids. Step inside the room and what you'll find is a mini hockey rink for kids.

The hockey rink has photos of teams all around the room, a couple nets, and even a locker room in the front.

Hat's off to The Hampton Inn, where they encourage kids to play hockey at the hotel.

Watch the video below.

Come Visit Milaca, Minnesota With Us

Crowded House at The Ledge Amphitheater, 2024

The Australian 80s/90s pop band Crowded House brought their Gravity Stairs Tour to celebrate the release of their 8th studio album by the same name to Waite Park. Lead singer Neil Finn's son, Liam opened the show with his solo work and then joined the band later. The photo gallery below captures the fun of the night.

Come Visit Pierz, Minnesota With Us in Pictures

 

More From 98.1 Minnesota's New Country