Is 'Hockey Day Minnesota' Turning into a Big-City Affair?

The very first 'Hockey Day Minnesota' happened back in 2007, with Lake of the Woods High School facing off against St. Paul Johnson on Baudette Bay. Fans gathered wherever they could to catch a glimpse of the game. Over the years, the event has moved around, from Phalen Park to Hermantown and even Lake George in St. Cloud. The thing is, it seems like the focus has shifted from the unique settings to seating and attendance. For instance, the 2020 event was at Parade Stadium in Minneapolis, and this year it was at Valleyfair. Don't get us wrong, Mankato hosted a great event in 2022, but it wasn't quite the same as those early days on the bay. Recently, it was announced that the 2027 'Hockey Day Minnesota' will be held at Brainerd International Raceway. Sounds cool, right? But let's not forget about the magic of those first outdoor games. The Valleyfair setting this year? Well, from the TV, it looked like a hockey game in a parking lot. Ticket prices this year ranged from $39 to $79 per day, and parking cost an extra $25. So, to watch a game in Valleyfair's parking lot on Saturday, it would have set you back $104. Really, what's going on here? Maybe it's time to go back to basics. Let's choose an iconic outdoor rink or pond. Let the locals show up and show some hometown pride without breaking the bank. Let's celebrate hockey and its rich history in Minnesota without the price tags and big venues.