The Clarion

Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Brooks Kirchheimer Ralph Engelstad Arena stands amidst snow in often below zero temperatures in Grand Forks, North Dakota and is home to the men and women's hockey programs of the Fighting Sioux. It is often considered the finest hockey arena of any kind in the country. [Click to enlarge]

GRAND FORKS, N.D.- "The latest weather in Fargo this morning is a chilly zero degrees," said the pilot as we were nearing our arrival into North Dakota. Zero degrees I shouted to myself inside my head. This California boy turned more into a popsicle than a sports reporter walking across the parking lot towards the rental car.

Just about the time my fingers finally defrosted I had completed my hour drive from Fargo to Grand Forks and was standing bundled outside what looked like a palace. A brick palace at that, with white domes and a sign out front that read: Ralph Engelstad Arena.

The 400,000 square-foot complex is home to the University of North Dakota men and women's hockey programs.

"Probably like everyone else who has walked in here, you are very impressed with the facility. I have no doubt that it is the finest hockey venue in the country, college, pro, you name it," said DU Head Coach George Gwozdecky.

As I open the door I walk onto the glowing brown granite floor and look into the eyes of the Fighting Sioux logo engraved on the floor. Straight ahead is the team shop inside of a green fence that is buzzing with excitement as fans begin to fill the 11,640 seat arena.

As I watch the fans begin to file in, they are all wearing the team color of green. When I say they all are, I am not lying; their merchandise sales have to be through the roof as every fan is wearing Sioux paraphernalia of some kind.

I walk around the concourse and quickly the smell of kettle corn, churros, pizza and other goddies fill my nose. As I keep walking I look to one side of the wall to see plaques of every All-American in UND history, another wall features a picture of every team to don a Sioux uniform. On the upper concourse are more plaques, jerseys and pictures commemorating North Dakota history.

Continued...

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