The construction of the LaBahn Arena (a permanent on-campus practice facility for the Badgers hockey team,) brings forth mixed feelings. While many players and fans alike see the new building as a sign of progress for the historic organization, others have are saddened by the vacancy of the now abandoned Bob Johnson Hockey Rink.
“Badger Bob” was, of course, the University's most notable head coach. He led the the men's hockey program to seven NCAA Tournaments, winning three. The practice facility, his namesake, became the team's weekday workout rink during the mid-sixties, when the Coliseum became the program's new home. The Hartmeyer Ice Arena was the Badger’s main rink prior to that move, serving the team well for just three years.
LaBahn Arena On Badgers Campus
The quote “Rust Never Sleeps” also applies to dated hockey structures. With the opening of LaBahn Arena, the team completes its transition from what was a predominately off-campus focus to a more efficient location, directly connected to the Kohl Center. Players always have double duties as scholars and athletes. The distant location of the old hockey arena drew complaints related to post-class travel time from the UW Madison campus to the BJHF. Their complaints included the point that their counterparts enjoy the luxury of on-campus practice facilities, something hockey players have lacked for over four decades. The sorry condition of the complex had also been a point of contention for those who wanted to see the program get in line with competing college programs.
As we say goodbye to the Bob Jones hockey facility, players and coaches both young and old recognize the great memories that will be lost when the team moves out of the arena next week. Keegan Meuer, a Badgers sophomore forward, joined fellow teammates and reflected upon the memories of the players, coaches, Badgers hockey games lost, and championships won. Time moves on for Badgers hockey players, as the LaBahn Arena will be the place for new memories.
“Badger Bob” was, of course, the University's most notable head coach. He led the the men's hockey program to seven NCAA Tournaments, winning three. The practice facility, his namesake, became the team's weekday workout rink during the mid-sixties, when the Coliseum became the program's new home. The Hartmeyer Ice Arena was the Badger’s main rink prior to that move, serving the team well for just three years.
LaBahn Arena On Badgers Campus
The quote “Rust Never Sleeps” also applies to dated hockey structures. With the opening of LaBahn Arena, the team completes its transition from what was a predominately off-campus focus to a more efficient location, directly connected to the Kohl Center. Players always have double duties as scholars and athletes. The distant location of the old hockey arena drew complaints related to post-class travel time from the UW Madison campus to the BJHF. Their complaints included the point that their counterparts enjoy the luxury of on-campus practice facilities, something hockey players have lacked for over four decades. The sorry condition of the complex had also been a point of contention for those who wanted to see the program get in line with competing college programs.
As we say goodbye to the Bob Jones hockey facility, players and coaches both young and old recognize the great memories that will be lost when the team moves out of the arena next week. Keegan Meuer, a Badgers sophomore forward, joined fellow teammates and reflected upon the memories of the players, coaches, Badgers hockey games lost, and championships won. Time moves on for Badgers hockey players, as the LaBahn Arena will be the place for new memories.
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