NHL Standings: Remembering Hockey’s Historic Arenas
Modern NHL arenas boast cutting-edge technology and luxurious amenities. But for many hockey fans, the true heart of the game lies within the walls of arenas past. These “barns,” as they were affectionately known, weren’t just buildings; they were integral to the connection between teams and their communities. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the NHL’s most-loved former arenas, exploring the quirks that made them unforgettable.
Iconic Arenas and Their Stories
Boston Bruins (1928-1995) – Boston Garden
Originally designed for boxing, Boston Garden was famous for its unusually small ice surface – 191 by 83 feet, smaller than the NHL’s regulation dimensions. The Bruins strategically built rosters to exploit this smaller rink, emphasizing size and physicality. You can find more about the history of Boston Garden here.
Chicago Blackhawks (1929-1994) – Chicago Stadium
Nicknamed the “Madhouse on Madison,” Chicago Stadium was notorious for its poor ventilation, often resulting in foggy games, and its magnificent Barton organ. Like Boston Garden, its ice surface wasn’t regulation size, favoring a more physical style of play. The steep stairs leading to the ice were also a memorable challenge for players.
San Jose Sharks (1991-1993) – Cow Palace
The Sharks began their NHL journey in the cavernous Cow Palace. While the team struggled during their two seasons there, the arena’s incredibly high roof – 110 feet above the floor – was a defining feature, making it feel like hockey was being played in an aircraft hangar.
Hartford Whalers (1979-1997) – Hartford Civic Center
Known as “The Mall,” the Hartford Civic Center was uniquely integrated into a retail complex, with fans accessing the arena directly through the mall. It was also the home of “Brass Bonanza,” widely considered one of the greatest goal songs in NHL history.
Los Angeles Kings (1967-1999) – The Fabulous Forum
Designed to resemble a Roman Coliseum, “The Fabulous Forum” featured a cable-suspended roof with a 400-foot diameter, creating a remarkably expansive feel compared to other arenas of the time.
Detroit Red Wings (1979-2017) – Joe Louis Arena
“The Joe” was known for its bouncy boards, which became a significant home-ice advantage for the Red Wings in the mid-1990s. Players learned to utilize the unpredictable bounces to create scoring opportunities.
Toronto Maple Leafs (1931-1999) – Maple Leaf Gardens
Considered a cathedral of hockey alongside the Montreal Forum, Maple Leaf Gardens was the first arena to install penalty boxes for each team. It also housed a famous gondola used by legendary broadcaster Foster Hewitt for “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcasts.
Minnesota North Stars (1967-1993) – Met Center
Met Center boasted some of the fastest ice in the NHL, rivaling Edmonton’s Northlands Coliseum. The arena was also known for its uniquely patterned seats – a seemingly random mix of white, black, yellow, and green.
Montreal Maroons, Montreal Canadiens (1924-1996) – Montreal Forum
The Montreal Forum was the heart of the Canadiens dynasty and a true landmark in NHL history. Its intimate atmosphere was enhanced by the lack of glass behind the benches, allowing for unparalleled closeness between fans and players.
Philadelphia Flyers (1967-1996) – The Spectrum
Initially nicknamed a “tuna can,” the Spectrum overcame early challenges, including a partial roof collapse, to become one of the NHL’s most intimidating venues. Its acoustics were legendary, making it one of the loudest arenas in the league.
Pittsburgh Penguins (1967-2010) – Civic Arena (The Igloo)
Nicknamed “The Igloo” for its stainless steel dome, the Civic Arena was originally built for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera and later adapted for hockey. Its steeply sloped stands allowed fans to nearly touch the dome.
St. Louis Blues (1967-1994) – St. Louis Arena (The Checkerdome)
The Checkerdome was a massive structure with a distinctive “Lamella” roof design, eliminating the need for obstructive pillars. It was a landmark in St. Louis and a beloved home for the Blues.
These arenas weren’t just places to watch hockey; they were integral parts of the game’s history and culture. They fostered a unique connection between teams and their fans, creating memories that continue to resonate today.
