For the second consecutive year, JLG Architects has been named the Official Architect of Hockey Day Minnesota 2024, scheduled for January 25-27 in Warroad, MN – Hockeytown USA®. If you’re wondering how Warroad, a population of less than 2,000 got the name Hockeytown USA®, the short answer is, they earned it. Get to know the iconic players and dynamic community that have made this small Minnesota town legendary.
The Road to Hockeytown USA®
Warroad’s storied reputation was officially frozen in ice back in 1957. Noting five Warroad players on the National team, Warroad’s Mayor, Morrie Taylor dubbed the city, “Hockeytown USA.” From that day on, Warroad has been synonymous with breeding hockey success, often attributed to its community’s free year-round skating access.
Visitors to Warroad in January will also want to bring their skates, because when it comes to ice time, this small town doesn’t mess around. Riverbend Skate Path is where you’ll find a 2.5-mile ice path that connects seven rinks, maintained throughout the winter by community members and equipment donations from local businesses like Polaris Industries, Ironhide, and Bobcat.
Warroad’s Hockey Legends
Warroad is home to several hockey legends, including Dan McKinnon, Cal Marvin, Henry Boucha, Rube Bjorkman, Blane Comstock, Larry Olimb, the Christian family’s Olympic hockey legends: Gordon, Roger, Billy and Dave Christian, and more recent Olympic and NHL stars Gigi Marvin, T.J. Oshie and Brock Nelson.
Warroad is also credited as one of the first communities to introduce Girls’ hockey in Minnesota, starting with a 15U team in 1989/99. Warroad varsity girls joined the Minnesota High School League in the 1999/2000 season. The program has succeeded in producing 24 Division III and 16 Division I players to date. In 2024, the Lady Warriors will celebrate their 25th season.
Warroad’s Hockey Highlights Include:
- 8 USA Ice Hockey Olympians
- 5 Hockey Hall of Fame Enshrinees
- Cal & 50 Years of Warroad Lakers, 3-peat Allan Cup Champs
- 10 MHL/PWHL
- 1 Stanley Cup
- 65 D1 Players – Boys / 16 D1 Players – Girls
- 24 Warrior Boys State Appearances, 4 Championships
- 14 Lady Warriors State Appearances, 4 Championships
Honoring Heritage & Hockey
Through exhibits and events, Hockey Day Minnesota 2024 will honor the culture and Native American heritage of Warroad, a city named for the War-Trail – a place of honor for the Ojibway/Anishinaabe.
Respected leader, elder, and hockey legend, Henry Boucha’s great great great grandfather, Ay-Ash-A-Wash, is considered the first chief of Warroad and Buffalo Point. The son of Ay-Ash-A-Wash has since sold part of his land to the Warroad School, ensuring the continuation of the name Warroad Warriors, in honor of their ancestors.
Visit Warroad for Hockey Day Minnesota 2024
Over three days, Hockey Day Minnesota crew and volunteers will host a full schedule of outdoor college and high school hockey games, including charitable events, live concerts, hospitality, and unique activities – anticipating the arrival of approximately 15,000 visitors, players, and hockey enthusiasts.
The Warroad Memorial Arena Association charity is a fiscal sponsor and partner with Hockey Day Minnesota 2024. The event’s net proceeds will benefit a newly created Warroad Hockey Endowment Fund to help strengthen local hockey programs and operations into the future.
Visit the Hockey Day Minnesota 2024 website for ticket pricing and daily event schedules.
