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PHOTOS BY: ST. CLOUD STATE; TYLER INGHAM/UND ATHLETICS; JIM ROSVOLD; BIGSTOCK PHOTO; COLLEGE HOCEY INC. 22 MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // DECEMBER.2016 4 2 5 1 3 St. Cloud, Minnesota Herb Brooks National Hockey Center Just a wrist shot away from the Mississippi River, St. Cloud State's arena hon- ors the late Minnesota legend and former Husky head coach (1986-1987) who helped the program go from Division III to Division I. The honors go beyond just naming it after Herb Brooks. Enter through the right side of the recently renovated atrium and there is a glass case honoring Brooks. Up the stairs and on the left, St. Cloud State showcases its trophies through- out the history of the program. This year's newest addition is the NCHC Frozen Faceoff trophy St. Cloud State captured in March. The building itself opened in 1989 and contains many features from the era. There is no bowl, as two unconnected stands line both ends of the ice. Be sure to avoid sitting near the "Dog Pound" student sections—108/109/207 and 117/118/213/214—if you want to keep your hearing. Downtown sits a mile north of the NHC, providing several different food and entertainment options, including the Paramount Theater. Also check out the Munsinger Gardens across the river. Grand Forks, North Dakota Ralph Engelstad Arena Some buildings cherish the history and tradition that comes with generations skating on the same ice sheet. Others are in the process of building the first as fans bask in the comforts of modernity. A select few, such as the palatial 11,600-seat Ralph Engelstad Arena sprouting out of the North Dakotan plains, are able to genuinely mix both. Built in 2001 with a $104 million donation by its namesake, the grandiose building, filled to the brim with loyal UND fans, has aged well. Every seat inside the Ralph feels first class. It's the closest college hockey gets to an NHL arena all the while being a love letter to the past, present and future of North Dakota hockey. That's enough to be on every college road trip bucket list. 4 5 St. Cloud, Minn. Grand Forks, n.d. COLLEGE HOCKEY ROAD TRIPS