The John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena has been the home of the Michigan Tech Hockey Huskies since the 1971-72 season.

The arena, which has a capacity of 4,466, features a large video scoreboard at center ice; 14 luxury suites; six concession areas; a pro shop; training room; nine locker rooms, including five with direct access to the ice surface; and a Puck Pit for players to hone their shooting skills. The playing surface is 200 feet long and 85 feet wide with a 22-foot radius in the corner.

A four-sided Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video board was installed above center ice during the summer of 2013. Each side of the board is 15 feet wide by 14.5 feet high and includes a 14 by 8 foot video screen. All funding for the scoreboard and its installation came from donor gifts. A video production room was also installed during the phase.

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 new system saves an average of $40,000 a year.

Fourteen luxury suites were installed during the summer of 2009 after a $1 million gift from Ruanne and John Opie. Ten private suites are intended for smaller parties of 10-12 adults, and each has its own individual theme. Each suite is also equipped with inside and balcony seating, a wet bar, a refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV. Complete food service from Michigan Tech Catering Services is available for each suite. These suites are leased by the season. The two larger suites are for parties 20-98 with the same amenities and are rented on a single game basis.

New seats and a new epoxy floor were installed throughout the arena during the summer of 2008. The projects were made possible by fund-raising through the Enrichment Campaign that raised over $2.6 million.

The Peter J. Grant Hockey Educational Center (HEC), which opened in September 1999, upgraded the hockey team’s support facilities. A study room for the players is also part of the facility and includes six computers with Internet access.

Michigan Tech’s locker room contains a separate changing area for the players, sauna, equipment room, and training area. In addition, a beautiful main locker room is equipped with oak lockers and a state-of-the-art video and sound system. The game clock and the HEC’s in-house communications system are also part of the main locker room.

A 1,500-square-foot weight-training facility is also part of the HEC and is equipped with today’s most modern equipment. The weight-training area contains its own sound system and is part of the HEC’s in-house communications system as well.

In addition to Huskies hockey, the arena hosts Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology classes, intramural ice hockey, recreational skating, youth and adult hockey and figure skating programs, and private rentals. It also serves as a special events area and can accommodate 5,600 people for events such as Michigan Tech’s commencements, concerts, circuses, and more.

PHOTO TOUR

MacInnes Student Ice Arena Photo Album