John MacInnes Student Ice Arena: A Legacy of Hockey at Michigan Tech
The John MacInnes Student Ice Arena, affectionately known as "The Mac," stands as a testament to the rich hockey tradition at Michigan Technological University. Since its opening in 1972, it has been the home of the Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey team, fostering a vibrant atmosphere for players and fans alike. Beyond hockey, the arena serves as a versatile space for various campus and community events.
From the Dee to The Mac: A Transition
Before the MacInnes Student Ice Arena, the Huskies played their home games at the James R. Dee Stadium, a Quonset-hut-shaped structure with a history dating back to the early 20th century. The Dee replaced the Amphidrome, which burned down in January 1927. James R. Dee played a crucial role in financing the construction of the New Amphidrome.
The Dee, while beloved, had its limitations. It lacked insulation, making it bitterly cold on game nights, and featured cyclone fencing instead of glass around the ice. In 1943, Michigan Tech acquired the Dee, marking a new chapter for hockey at the university.
In the 1970s, a proposal emerged for a new arena, contingent on students agreeing to an additional $10 per quarter in tuition. Despite the cost, students approved the referendum, paving the way for the construction of the MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
Opening and Dedication
By Christmas 1971, the arena was sufficiently complete for the Huskies to move from The Dee. The official dedication ceremony featured Lou Angotti, a veteran Chicago Blackhawk player and alumnus of the 1962 NCAA championship team. It was at this ceremony that Dennis McGrath, the Council President, proposed that the arena be named for John MacInnes.
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A Venue for Hockey and More
The John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena has a seating capacity of 4,200 offering an intimate and exciting viewing experience for fans. In addition to hosting Huskies hockey games, the arena serves as a venue for Spring Commencement ceremonies, Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology classes, intramural ice hockey, recreational skating, youth and adult hockey and figure skating programs, and private rentals.
Traditions and Atmosphere
The MacInnes Student Ice Arena is steeped in tradition, with the Copper Country Anthem being the oldest and most well-known. The tradition started as an insult to Polka music. The song Blue Skirt Waltz was taken and slowed down, people rose from their seats and began to sway. From then on, the Copper Country Anthem was played and people continue to stand and sway during the second intermission. The Huskies Pep Band also contributes to the lively atmosphere with their rendition of "In Heaven There Is No Beer," complete with numerous verses referencing local culture and hockey humor.
Modern Amenities and Upgrades
Over the years, the MacInnes Student Ice Arena has undergone several renovations to enhance its facilities and fan experience. In 2008, the original wooden seats were replaced with plastic seats. Further renovations in 2009 saw the addition of 12 private suites at the west end of the arena, followed by a 13th suite in 2010. These suites, designed by Rossetti Architects, offer premium seating and amenities for fans.
A four-sided Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video board was installed above center ice in 2013, funded entirely by donor gifts. In 2012, a new ice-making system was installed to remove the building’s original Freon 22 direct system. The new ammonia brine-based system makes ice for the hockey rink and also heats the rink’s sub-floor, preventing frost from forming under the insulated concrete slab.
The Peter J. Grant Hockey Educational Center (HEC), opened in 1999, provides upgraded support facilities for the hockey team, including a locker room with a separate changing area, sauna, equipment room, and training area. A 1,500-square-foot weight-training facility is also part of the HEC.
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John MacInnes: A Coaching Legend
The arena is named in honor of John J. MacInnes, Michigan Tech's most notable hockey coach. MacInnes, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007, led the Huskies to three NCAA National Hockey Championships. His legacy extends beyond championships, shaping the culture of hockey at Michigan Tech and inspiring generations of players.
Hockey in the Copper Country: A Storied History
The John MacInnes Student Ice Arena is part of a broader hockey landscape in the Copper Country, a region with a deep-rooted passion for the sport. Houghton's designation as the "Birthplace of Professional Hockey" stems from the first organized professional hockey game played at the Dee Stadium in 1902. The Portage Lakes Hockey Club, based in Houghton, was the first team to pay all its players, marking the beginning of professional hockey.
Other historic rinks in the area include the Houghton County Arena (HoCo), the Calumet Colosseum, and the Gipp Arena in Laurium. These venues, along with numerous outdoor rinks, provide opportunities for players of all ages to participate in and enjoy the sport.
The MacNaughton Cup and the "Doc" Gibson Cup are two of the most prestigious hockey trophies in the region. The MacNaughton Cup, awarded to the conference winner, dates back to the early 20th century and is a symbol of hockey excellence. The "Doc" Gibson Cup, a rivalry trophy between the Calumet Wolverines and the Portage Lake Pioneers, is one of the oldest tournament cups in hockey history.
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