‘Home’ for the Spartan and United hockey teams

The Drake Arena may have been constructed after the boy’s team was already playing, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t had a profound impact on both the boys and girls teams.

“When you think of ice hockey you think of Minnesota, and SPA has always provided for students through years in all aspects of academia and athletics. By having an on campus arena, like most other IMAC teams, it helps students to improve more individually and as a team, since they have a top-tier facility always ready for them at home,” Edhlund said.

Both the Spartan and United hockey teams have had countless memorable experiences in this arena.

“For [the Boys Hockey team], it’s kind of like a collection of memories – there’s no one memory that really stands out. Every time I walk into the arena I remember every guy who has graduated and all the memories we have as a team,” Boys Hockey captain Adam Zukowski said.

“It was really memorable, though, when we beat St. Cloud Cathedral a few years ago. It was a really big game and they were a really good team, and winning that game helped to push our team forward for the remainder of the season,” Zukowski said.

Edhlund also recalled a significant girls game: “The girls have been playing Red Wing for maybe 23-24 years and never beat them, and then a few years ago they finally beat them at Drake, so that was pretty significant.”

The “wall of fame” in Drake also highlights significant players from either SPA hockey teams who have also gone on to play college hockey.

“Hockey is different in the sense that playoff victories or other important games that send teams to tournaments don’t occur in Drake. The only major victories that may occur here are the regular season or maybe conference championship games,” Cole said.

Despite the lack of major victories in Drake Arena, Zukowski still finds Drake to be extremely important to him.

“Drake Arena is a place with so much character. It has its tin roof and green outside, and it doesn’t really fit in with the rest of the school. But it’s a building that you just know you’re going into,” Zukowski said.

Another important part of the history of Drake Arena is the summer hockey program that was run by Mike Foley.

“So many individuals went through this program – it was a staple in the Twin Cities. If you wanted to go to a summer hockey program, you came to SPA and you learned from Mike Foley. That’s who everybody knew and trusted. Hundred and hundreds of kids came through those doors every day and every hour,” Edhlund said.

Drake Arena has been a staple of the SPA community and public community for 50 years, and it is important to take the time to reflect on the importance and impact the arena has had on all those who have entered through its doors.