What Are College Hockey Rink Dimensions?

Hockey popularity is among colleges and young adult students. Due to the game being widely played worldwide, college students take an immense interest in learning hockey. Colleges in cities have facilities designed to support different kinds of games, hockey being one of them.

College hockey rink dimensions are usually aligning with national standards. Eventually, students have to compete nationally and internationally; this practice helps them prepare. These rinks also serve for inter and intra-college competitions.

Let’s look at college hockey rinks, their specifics, and famous colleges known for their hockey rinks.

The College Hockey Rink Prestige

College hockey rinks are known as ultimate battlegrounds where intense rivalry unfolds between the two opponents on a frozen surface. College hockey is considered one of North America’s most beloved college sports. From passionate student players to student spectators, it is loved by all. 

College hockey rinks are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), so it follows the exact dimensions of professional hockey rinks. The rink’s dimensions and environment ensure fairness, consistency, and a level playing field for all teams.

The professional hockey rink size measures 200 feet in length and 85 feet in width, encompassing 17,000 square feet. The shape is also the same, rectangle divided into zones and compartments. All colleges around America have the same rink size and zones.

Zones of College Hockey Rinks

College hockey rinks have the same zones as NHL; also, the rinks worldwide share the same zones regardless of their size. The hockey rink is divided into three zones; their name will suggest the function of those zones.

Neutral Zone

The zone around both sides of the center, from the blue line to the blue line, is known as the neutral zone. This zone is an everyday battleground for both teams fighting for the puck. 

Offensive Zone

On both sides of neutral zones, the zone from the blue lines to the end of the boards lies the offensive zone. It is the space where other teams aim to create scoring opportunities and pressure opponent players. See how it is different than roller rink dimensions.

Defensive Zone

The defensive zone is the same as the offensive zone, lying to each team. They must defend their home against other teams and keep them from scoring the goal. The home team players are strategically positioned to save the puck from scoring a goal.

Most Famous Colleges with Hockey Rinks

Many colleges around the USA support hockey on campus and have hockey programs and, subsequently, hockey rinks. Their love and enthusiasm for hockey make them a good space for students who want to pursue hockey and their academics. 

Over 500 colleges and universities provide top-class hockey rinks and hold competitions yearly. New hockey rinks in other colleges are introduced each year, given the passion for sports. 

Colleges with a lack of hockey rink areas associate their students with other nearby colleges to facilitate their learning of hockey. Here is the list of the top fifteen colleges with hockey rinks and the largest seating capacity in the USA.

Rank	College Name	State	Rink Size (Seating Capacity)
1	University of North Dakota	North Dakota	Ralph Engelstad Arena (11,643)
2	University of Minnesota	Minnesota	3M Arena at Mariucci (10,000)
3	University of Wisconsin	Wisconsin	Kohl Center (15,359)
4	Penn State University	Pennsylvania	Pegula Ice Arena (5,782)
5	University of Michigan	Michigan	Yost Ice Arena (5,800)
6	University of Notre Dame	Indiana	Compton Family Ice Arena (5,022)
7	Ohio State University	Ohio	Value City Arena (17,500)
8	University of Minnesota Duluth	Minnesota	AMSOIL Arena (6,726)
9	Boston University	Massachusetts	Agganis Arena (6,300)
10	University of New Hampshire	New Hampshire	Whittemore Center (6,501)
11	Colorado College	Colorado	Broadmoor World Arena (7,343)
12	Michigan State University	Michigan	Munn Ice Arena (6,114)
13	University of Denver	Colorado	Magness Arena (6,026)
14	University of Vermont	Vermont	Gutterson Fieldhouse (4,007)
15	The University of Alaska Anchorage	Alaska	Sullivan Arena (6,251)

High School Hockey Rink Dimensions

As you know, colleges have the exact hockey rink dimensions as the NHL; now you might be thinking, are high school hockey rinks the same size as NHL? Yes, high schools also adhere to the size of NHL rinks providing standard conditions for students to learn and participate in hockey. 

So, the high school with hockey and hockey rink facilities measures approximately 200 feet in length and 85 feet. Students can keep their hockey rink stay frozen to enjoy long events in summer.

FAQs