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Centennial Classic Gets Special Center Ice

December 31, 2016, 7:59 am
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The NHL is one again breaking its own rules with the new center ice design for the Centennial Classic in Toronto. Like it did one other time in Washington for the Winter Classic, the NHL is allowing the logo to partially cover the center circle outline.


Here is our recreation of the center ice logo. Since the logo was heavily modified to be used on the ice, we still have some work to do. I have yet to find an NHL 100th logo without the shield in the middle.


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Top 10 Most Beautiful NHL Arenas

January 13, 2017, 11:42 am
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Architecture is something to be appreciated. When form and function come together in harmony, beautiful buildings are created. Traditionally, these buildings are churches, museums, and other historical landmarks. However, there are other buildings that offer the elements of architectural greatness, NHL stadiums. These buildings refuse to become eyesores by adding aesthetic appeal to their home cities. Here is the top ten most beautiful NHL stadiums.

1. Scotiabank Saddledome: Calgary Flames

As one of the oldest arenas in the NHL, the unique shape makes it noticeable from a distance. The 19,000 person capacity packs a punch for fans attending the game with palpable energy. Once inside the dome, the rich Flames history is on display for all patrons to peruse at their leisure.

2. Nationwide Arena: Columbus Blue Jackets

One of the more modern style stadiums, Nationwide Arena is very well maintained and offers patrons a variety of choices once inside this beautiful building. Large glass windows and wide open corridors make this arena wonderful.

3. TD Garden: Boston Bruins

Form definitely meets function at the Garden. Train lines run inside and around the building making it one of the easiest stadiums to get to. Once inside, there is not a bad seat in the house as it has been flawlessly designed with the ultimate hockey fan in mind.

4. United Center: Chicago Blackhawks

As one of the largest arenas in the NHL, the United Center is easy to get to and displays the team's long history throughout the building. While the outside doesn't appear to be artistically special, the expanse of the fan capacity inside during a game is what makes this arena fantastic. Holding the record for top attendance to games, due to their team being Stanley Cup favorites year in and year out, fans have a wide array of seating options.

5. Xcel Energy Center: Minnesota Wild

While this arena is beautiful inside and out, it is the technology options that make this one of the best arenas. The addition of a huge jumbotron and sound system makes the fan experience truly unforgettable. This full glass circular building adds beauty and function to the city of Minneapolis.

6. Air Canada Centre: Toronto Maple Leafs

The large glass entry way which also houses a massive jumbotron makes the Air Canada Centre architecturally interesting. Fans can see all the current and upcoming events as they pass by the stadium. Another appeal is the close proximity to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

7. Joe Louis Arena: Detroit Red Wings
The outside of this building is not very aesthetic or interesting to the eye of a regular person, but the hockey fan knows what is inside this arena. The beauty of this arena lies within, hanging from the rafters, retired numbers of NHL legends and Stanley Cup banners litter the inside of this arena. The beauty within makes this one of the great NHL stadiums.

8. Madison Square Garden: New York Rangers

Madison Square Garden is the oldest building in the NHL. In recent years, it has seen renovations that have made it more fan friendly, but the timelessness of this arena is what generates fan excitement. It is easily accessible from any transportation mode, which helps pack the house for any game or event.

9. PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh Penguins

This state-of-the-art arena has raised the bar for other teams building new stadiums. With over 18,000 seats in the house, fans can truly enjoy the game from any angle. The interesting shape of the arena, the glass attributes and beautiful landscaping make it one of the best arenas in the NHL.


10. Bell Centre: Montreal Canadiens

Located in downtown Montreal, this arena is the cornerstone for hockey fans of Canada. With the capacity of over 21,000 fans, 24 Stanley Cup banners, and the array of retired numbers hanging from the rafters, this stadium creates one of the most exciting in-game experiences for any hockey fan.

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By Adam Hayes - writer: usssportsmachine.com
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Isles Still Searching For Their Forever Home

February 19, 2017, 6:51 pm
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It feels like we have been here before, recently. Actually we have. The New York Islanders are once again looking for a new place to call home. After leaving the outdated Nassau Coliseum, they tried to settle into an NBA arena with NBA sight-lines and a poor ice plant. Many people, including this site, correctly predicted this would not be a good fit. Barclays Center is reportedly trying to sever ties with the Islanders which means after two years, the team would be free (and forced) to find a new arena to play in.

The obvious option that many fans are pulling for is a return to Nassau County to play in the newly renovated Nassau Coliseum. This move would present several challenges including a limited seating capacity and a limited number of luxury boxes. Still, die-hard Isles fans are hopeful that their team might return home in the near future.

With that said, one of our followers (Antonio C) has come up with a very likely concept for center ice should the team move back.


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The Joes Time Is Running Out

March 29, 2017, 7:47 pm
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Time at the Joe Louis Arena is coming to a close quickly as the Red Wings were officially eliminated from the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoff contention. Now we know that the final NHL game this facility will host will be April 9 verses the New Jersey Devils. While most fans will not miss The Joe all that much, this was one of the last remaining old time buildings in the league, and its quirks were part of its charm. We though it would be fun to look back on some of this buildings quirks, as soon they will be nothing more than dust on the riverfront.


While JLA was not known for hosting basketball events, they did from time to time. Unlike most modern facilities who host hockey and basketball, they did not have raised seating that would extend down to the court from both ends of the floor. They relied on the old fashioned folding chairs lined up on the floor.


There's no waiting area inside the building before the gates open. The concourses are tight, dark, and are the only divider between the bowl and the outdoors. Tickets are taken at the outside doors so if you are waiting, it will be outside.


Watching the big game on TV? No problem, when the Wings are playing at home, you will feel like you are right there with the fans. Its a problem that many arenas have but it is certainly multiplied at The Joe. The cameras sit so low and when the fans in front of them move around or get up and cheer, it will leave you wishing you could stand too.


The Red Wings still use an old White Way scoreboard, the last of its kind in the NHL. They have had the same shell of a board since 1990 though video and scoring elements have been replaced several times over the years.
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Outdoor Games Need To Return To EA NHL Games

March 30, 2017, 1:57 pm
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That last we saw of outdoor games was in the previous generation console NHL games, but once the next generation came out, the stadium games were no longer included. The reasoning behind this decision was solid. EA Sports is striving for authenticity and here at Frozen Faceoff, we certainly appreciate that. Since some of the events take place in baseball stadiums, and those stadiums were signed on exclusively with a competing company's game, EA could not include them in their game.

However, the outdoor events have become a major factor in the NHL the last several seasons, with the addition of the Stadium Series along with a few other open air events. This makes their absence even more noticeable each season.

Obviously this means some stadiums will not be true to life and that is ok. It is an unfortunate situation but it can't be helped. Previously, EA had created a "Phillies Ballpark" which looked more like some generic park than it did Citizens Bank Park. While fans noticed this change, it wasn't game breaking and it still created that baseball park atmosphere that brought back memories of the actual event. Add to that the shadows on the ice and it all felt pretty good.

While it was said that the Winter Classic mode was not played as much as other modes, that is not all that surprising. I think if this is going to work, the outdoor games also need to be incorporated into all appropriate game modes including season mode and franchise mode.

Going forward we are hopeful that EA will bring back outdoor games and include a few generic ballparks as well as true to life football stadiums. Add in some options like allowing the choice of day or night games and sun, clouds, rain, and snow for each stadium, and it will be even easier to overlook the generic nature of those ballparks. As an added bonus, we would love to see skating and puck physics altered based on conditions.

Our wishlist for NHL 18 outdoor locations...

  • Heinz Field - Pittsburgh
  • (Generic) Busch Stadium - St. Louis
  • Investors Group Field - Winnipeg
  • (Generic) Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles
  • Michigan Stadium - Ann Arbor
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Rochester Americans Scoreboard Graphic

March 31, 2017, 8:40 pm
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Farewell Joe Scoreboard Video

April 9, 2017, 8:28 pm
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Check out this Farewell Joe Louis Arena Scoreboard video we made with the help of Not2Bohrium.


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Upcoming Scottrade Center Renovations

April 21, 2017, 7:18 am
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While the Blues are in the playoffs, Scottrade Center will be buzzing with excited fans. However, this summer it will be the sound of jackhammers and and drills that fill the arena. Scottrade Center will close down for nearly three months this summer to start its first of three rounds of renovation which will be completed by the end of the summer of 2019.


So what can we expect to see in the newly renovated arena? Here we will break down what we know, and update as we learn more about the upcoming renovations. Keep checking back for updates!

Summer 2017
New center hung scoreboard.
  • According to Chris Zimmerman, the board will be 6th or 7th largest in the league.
New LED ribbon board.
Sound system upgrades.
New event level locker rooms.


Unknown Timeframe
New dasher boards and glass replacement.
New west end loge boxes.





New "Rafters Club".


Replace seats throughout entire bowl.
Repair retractable seating.
New main entrance with Beer Garden.
New east entrance.
Upgraded team store.
Upgraded lighting. (including new sports lighting for bowl)
Fully renovated concourses. (including restrooms and concessions).

New building signage and LED screens.
New curtain for arena bowl.
New ticket office.
Roof replacement.
Upgrades and replacement of infrastructure.
Rebuilding elevators and escalators.

Security upgrades.

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AHL Goal Horns By N2BH

January 22, 2019, 4:30 pm
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NHL Goal Horns By Famous Goal Horns

February 13, 2019, 8:42 pm
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Frozen Faceoff Forum

January 2, 2020, 7:28 pm
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NHL & AHL Scoreboard Recreations

August 20, 2020, 4:28 pm
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Goal Horn Information & Videos

September 1, 2020, 7:34 pm
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NHL History Of Rinks

April 28, 2017, 11:47 am
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Every player is well aware of the rink he is playing on. They know the length of the ice and the amount of room they have to play in the neutral zone. Although every rink in the NHL is now virtually the same with the exception of logos and ice quality, it wasn't always that way. In this feature, we will take a look at how the rink has been adapted over the years. You may be surprised at all of the changes, both large and small. Please keep in mind, that the following information is based on a majority of rinks during each time frame. There have been variances all along the way.

Prior to the 1950's:  While the pictures of rinks in this era are rare and hard to see, its safe to say that rinks varied a great deal at this time. Can you imagine a time where they didn't even paint the ice white? It is tough to say whether any rinks had lines painted on the ice. I have seen photos that suggested that some may have but its tough to say. Needless to say, if they were there, they were tough to see.


1950-1960:  This was a time of only a handful of teams. A few had center ice logos, but that had not yet become a necessity. The red line started out solid red, but as black and white televisions began to air hockey games, patterns of white paint began to appear on the center line to help decipher which line was which.

1961-1973:  During this period, most ices would have a center ice logo of some sort. The neutral zones were 58 feet white on a standard rink. Small vertical hash marks were added to the four faceoff spots at the ends of the rink.

1974-1982:  The rink would remain largely the same for many years with only small changes like the modified hash marks in the face-off circles beginning in 1974.

1983-1985: We can look back upon the early eighties as the time that led to advertisements popping up everywhere around the rink. Dasher board advertisements were introduced. At the time there was no set layout or restrictions on the placement of the ads. Also during this time, the hash-marks disappeared but the face-off dots outside of the neutral zone where changed a bit. 

1986-1991:  The mid-eighties brought a couple changes to the rink. Along with advertisers lining the boards all the way around the rink, the goal creases got a makeover. 


1992-1993:  Once again the crease would be modified as the light blue paint returned in front of the nets. On ice advertisements also started to pop up in the neutral zone in the early nineties. By this time there seemed to be a uniform system in place for board advertisement placement league wide..



1994-1995: Some slight modification to the board ad placement was the only major change during this time.

1996:  The blue paint inside the nets was removed and small NHL branding began showing up near all four corners of the rink. 




1997: The hash marks made their comeback in a style which remains on the ice today. Also this was the last year before the NHL shortened the width of the neutral zone.
1998:  The neutral zone was shortened from 58 feet wide to 54 feet wide. 

1999-2002:  The goal crease was changed to what is now the standard crease among Pro North American rinks. The old style is still used in most other countries and many minor leagues. 

2003-2004:  The last change to the rink prior to the lost 04/05 season was to the neutral zone face off dots which were changed to match the rest of the face off dots. 

2006-2007:  When players returned to the ice following the lockout, two major changes had occurred. The neutral zone was shortened once again, from 54 feet to 50 feet. Also two lines were painted behind the goal lines to create the "Trapezoid" which is designed to keep goalies from playing the puck from the corners. I still do not understand the need for the trapezoid but it seems to be here to stay. One small detail also popped up on the boards at this time. Reebok struck a deal with the NHL to supply the league with jerseys, and they got their logo up on the red and blue lines up the sides of the boards. 


2008:  It seems like perhaps the league decided that the boards surrounding the rinks had become a bit too distracting. Around this time all of the board ads started having no background color so that the boards would regain their white faces. Unlike the trapezoid, I was very pleased to see this change!





2009-2014:  A logo change by Reebok led to a quick subtle change to their logo on the boards as well.



2015: The hash marks outside the end zone circles were moved from 3 feet to 5 feet 7 inches separation. Finally, the trapezoid grew by two feet from each goal post to create what is now the current rink layout for all 30 NHL teams.







*if you find any errors or see something I missed, please comment below.

Did you know?

  • Edmonton's center ice logo faces the players rather than the penalty box because their TV cameras are on the opposite side of the rink from all 29 other arenas today.
  • The New York Islanders have used the same red line design since they entered the league. This could change once they move to Brooklyn. 
  • Some arenas used to have off-centered penalty boxes which led to the referee's circle to be painted in alternate locations as well.
  • Some older, smaller arenas in the past have had shorter rink dimensions.
    • Buffalo Memorial Auditorium  - 196' x 85' (Neutral Zone smaller then regulation)
    • Boston Garden                     - 191' x 83' (One offensive zone smaller)
    • Chicago Stadium                  - 188' x 85' (Smallest Neutral Zone in the league)
    • Detroit Olympia                    - 200' x 83' (2 feet shorter in width)
    • Maple Leaf Gardens             - 200' x 85' (Uneven corners, unconfirmed
I want to thank CF92 and Cory Gibson who were responsible for much of the research that made this possible!
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Little Caesars Arena Updates

May 7, 2017, 3:30 pm
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The new Red Wings facility is really starting to look like a hockey arena now and as the summer progresses, be sure to follow this post for more updates.

Here is a rendering of what we believe the scoreboard will look like.


Current Interior: 5/7/2017
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Rapid City Anniversary Logo Contest

June 6, 2017, 11:16 am
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The Rapid City Rush are getting ready to celebrate their 10th Anniversary season and they need your help to pick an anniversary logo. Our own animator, Alex, better known on twitter as @not2bohrium
 has come up with his own concept. His logo has advanced to round two in the poll and he would certainly appreciate your vote. http://www.rapidcityrush.com/logo-contest/

Logo 1 by @not2bohrium

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NHL 18 Arena Notes

June 7, 2017, 9:02 am
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TD Garden - Boston Bruins

There should be 2 LED ribbons circling the arena.








PNC Arena - Carolina Hurricanes

Red line switched back to a solid white stripe.








Little Caesars Arena - Detroit Red Wings

This is the center ice design they released at the time of the arena name announcement.







BB&T Center - Florida Panthers

Missing a white dividing line between the logo and the red line.







Bridgestone Arena - Nashville Predators

Something we had not noticed until this year though it dates back to 2011. The center circle color is actually black.







PPG Paints Arena - Pittsburgh Penguins

The team has added sponsor panels to the scoreboard corners. 






Pittsburgh also changed their arena name layout at center ice again. 











SAP Center - San Jose Sharks

The arena rafters are actually a very bright gray or white color. 





Verizon Center - Washington Capitals

The red line now has a white stripe with red stars and the arena name is a different font. 







Bell MTS Place - Winnipeg Jets

New arena name on the scoreboard and my prediction of what center ice might look like with the new arena name. 








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2017 Medicine Hat Tigers Center Ice

August 21, 2016, 2:06 am
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This year the center line has been changed to a white line with red border at the Canalta Centre. Check it out in the CHL section.
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2017 Barrie Colts Center Ice

August 21, 2016, 2:14 am
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The Barrie Colts went with their usual design but with a small change to the red line. Still the white boxes but they are spaced out different this year. Check it out on the CHL section.
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New York Rangers 90th - Version 2

August 21, 2016, 2:17 am
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JetIce Hockey has confirmed that the Rangers will use something very similar to this concept on the ice at Madison Square Garden this year. They also stated that they will have a new red line but we do not know exactly what to expect yet.
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