Pretty good article about the Hockey Academy they're trying to get running with Harbor Center.

http://www.bostonglobe.co...ory.html?s_campaign=sm_tw

What bugs me though is I think I've heard people here say that the max capacity of any rink in the place is 2k?
- stashu

If the goal is just to be a training center, then 2k is all you need. If the goal is to make amateur/college hockey itself in this area bigger, then I feel it's too small. While the First Niagara Center is next door, you want these tournaments to get a "full house" feel. If you ever attract a tournament that will attract an attendance of 4 or 5 thousand people, the First Niagara Center is still going to feel empty, given that it won't be anywhere near capacity. Best case scenario at this point would be that they leave room for the ability to expand if they desire.

I think the real pipe dream would be to attract the US National Development Team to relocate here.

Pretty good article about the Hockey Academy they're trying to get running with Harbor Center.

http://www.bostonglobe.co...ory.html?s_campaign=sm_tw

What bugs me though is I think I've heard people here say that the max capacity of any rink in the place is 2k?
- stashu

Seems like sufficient seating to me. The Binghampton Senators play in an arena that only allows for 4600. Considering that these rinks will be used for smaller events than that, I would think 2000 should be large enough.

If the goal is just to be a training center, then 2k is all you need. If the goal is to make amateur/college hockey itself in this area bigger, then I feel it's too small. While the First Niagara Center is next door, you want these tournaments to get a "full house" feel. If you ever attract a tournament that will attract an attendance of 4 or 5 thousand people, the First Niagara Center is still going to feel empty, given that it won't be anywhere near capacity. Best case scenario at this point would be that they leave room for the ability to expand if they desire.

I think the real pipe dream would be to attract the US National Development Team to relocate here.
- buffalofan19

Is that currently in Colorado?

Is that currently in Colorado?
- HonkFortheGoose

I believe the team itself is in Ann Arbor. USA Hockey's headquarters is in Colorado.

Is that currently in Colorado?
- HonkFortheGoose

The article mentioned 2 locations. 1 in Colorado, the other in Ann Arbor.

I believe the team itself is in Ann Arbor. USA Hockey's headquarters is in Colorado.
- buffalofan19

Wouldn't it make sense to have it all in one place? Both USA hockey and the Development program.

Seems like sufficient seating to me. The Binghampton Senators play in an arena that only allows for 4600. Considering that these rinks will be used for smaller events than that, I would think 2000 should be large enough.
- HonkFortheGoose

Has anyone read that they are starting with 2 but there is room to expand it? Every venue ive been apart of always has a tenative expansion plan.

Wouldn't it make sense to have it all in one place? Both USA hockey and the Development program.
- HonkFortheGoose

http://www.usantdp.com/sc...dule/team_instance/494579

I think Ann Arbor has the facilities, and it is more centrally located with the teams they face. I don't know if it's even possible, or if they would even consider Buffalo as an option. It was more of a brainstorm I threw out there.

Has anyone read that they are starting with 2 but there is room to expand it? Every venue ive been apart of always has a tenative expansion plan.
- hubie

That's what I had mentioned. I wonder if the ability to expand is there.

Has anyone read that they are starting with 2 but there is room to expand it? Every venue ive been apart of always has a tenative expansion plan.
- hubie

You could always expand but with it being downtown space to expand is VERY limited. The fact that the rinks themselves are going to be on the 5th floor of a building is pretty unique. I don't think there will be a need to expand though honestly. The Northtown Center (Pepsi Center to me) feature rink only holds about 1500 and they have held nationals numerous times. The 2K seating should be plenty.


The one thing I am really looking forward to is the actual program itself. Amateur hockey in the Buffalo area is so watered down and its about time there is going to be ONE major program. Everyone is going to want to play for the "Sabres" I am looking forward to it.

Do I even watch the games??!!?!
I am questioning my own hockey knowledge.
Which is average at best.
You suck jochfr!1!!!!

http://www.usantdp.com/schedule/team_instance/494579

I think Ann Arbor has the facilities, and it is more centrally located with the teams they face. I don't know if it's even possible, or if they would even consider Buffalo as an option. It was more of a brainstorm I threw out there.
- buffalofan19

BUt with having a Bufflo "Hub" does that allow for expansion of teams that will be formed? So now a team can be formed in say the Maine/Vermont/New Hampshire area because now the cost of travel will be much lower.

Do I even watch the games??!!?!
I am questioning my own hockey knowledge.
Which is average at best.
You suck jochfr!1!!!!
- jochfr

IM A IDIOT!!!!

Blog new

You could always expand but with it being downtown space to expand is VERY limited. The fact that the rinks themselves are going to be on the 5th floor of a building is pretty unique. I don't think there will be a need to expand though honestly. The Northtown Center (Pepsi Center to me) feature rink only holds about 1500 and they have held nationals numerous times. The 2K seating should be plenty.


The one thing I am really looking forward to is the actual program itself. Amateur hockey in the Buffalo area is so watered down and its about time there is going to be ONE major program. Everyone is going to want to play for the "Sabres" I am looking forward to it.
- Stripes77

Yeah the 5th floor may make it tough to do an expansion. Not sure if there is space behind a stand in the current lay out. BUt I agree 2k doesnt seem like a lot but in reality it is

Yeah the 5th floor may make it tough to do an expansion. Not sure if there is space behind a stand in the current lay out. BUt I agree 2k doesnt seem like a lot but in reality it is
- hubie

It is going to be a first class no corners skipped venue though. I can't wait. I also cant wait until the end of the month where I can see Penn States arena in person. The ice better be good that's all I have to say

Blog new
- ImThatGuy

I was 10 years old when the blizzard of 77 hit.
My brother Rob , our good friend Mario and I were walking around it down by Grant Street (Marty's west side plaza) and at it's worst point , couldn't see each other unless we were in arms length.
I remember touching street lights from a top show hills.
My mom being stranded at work at AM&A's overnight and people by the dozens walking in with frostbite she said.
Just be safe everyone, this could be like that, or so it sounds.
If you see someone in need , try to help.
I already put it up on facebook that if you need me , just call me.
My wife said it just better not be any of "your sluts" that call for help.