If you’re a hockey fan, there are lots of great places you could and should visit, but only five that you absolutely need to see in real life. Luckily for you, you’re reading this article, which outlines the top five destinations every hockey fan needs to visit.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Located in Toronto, the Hockey Hall of Fame was established in 1943 and has been in its current location, a former Bank of Montreal, since 1993. It’s not just a collection of photos and bios of hockey greats like Wayne Gretzky, it is also packed with interactive exhibits where you can be a virtual goalkeeper, shot taker, or broadcaster.
Maple Leaf Gardens
While you’re in Toronto, you should also visit the Maple Leaf Gardens, former home of the Maple Leafs. It’s now home to the Ryerson Rams and was declared a Historic Landmark of Canada in 2009. It’s also where Team Canada beat Team USSR in the 1972 Summit Series!
Herb Brooks Arena
The Herb Brooks Arena is named after hockey coach Herb Brooks, who led his hockey team to beat the USSR 4-3 on February 22, 1980. Even non-hockey fans have heard of this event, commonly referred to as the Miracle on Ice. Before that, it was called the Olympic Center, and was also home to three Frozen Tours in 1970, 1984, and 1988.
Vaillant Arena
Vaillant Arena in Davos, Switzerland isn’t known for its history or size, but rather its unique architecture. It is like a hockey cathedral made out of wood and glass and has room for just under 8,000 fans, most of it standing room, creating an intimate hockey viewing experience like no other.
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is the oldest hockey arena in the league, part of the “Original Six,” and sits atop the famous Penn Station in bustling Manhattan, New York. It’s also home to the New York Rangers and some of the most passionate hockey fans in the world.
