Achilles Rink

Achilles Rink. Located at Union College in Schenectady, New York, the rink is home to the Union College Dutchmen men's ice hockey and Union College Dutchwomen women's ice hockey teams, which compete in the NCAA's ECAC Hockey conference and have played against teams like the Harvard University Crimson and the Cornell University Big Red. The rink has also hosted games against other ECAC Hockey teams, including the Quinnipiac University Bobcats and the St. Lawrence University Saints. As a popular venue for ice hockey, it has been the site of numerous matches featuring teams from the Hockey East conference, such as the Boston College Eagles and the University of Massachusetts Lowell River Hawks.

● Introduction

Achilles Rink is a state-of-the-art ice hockey facility that serves as the home of the Union College Dutchmen men's ice hockey and Dutchwomen women's ice hockey teams, which have competed against teams like the Yale University Bulldogs and the Brown University Bears in the ECAC Hockey conference. The rink is named after Achilles, a hero of the Trojan War, and is located on the campus of Union College in Schenectady, New York, near the Mohawk River and the New York State Thruway. The facility has hosted various ice hockey events, including matches featuring teams from the Atlantic Hockey conference, such as the Air Force Academy Falcons and the Army Black Knights. The rink has also been the site of games against teams from the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, including the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and the St. Cloud State University Huskies.

● History

The construction of Achilles Rink was made possible through the support of Union College alumni, including Frank Messa '73, a former Dutchmen hockey player, and other donors, such as John Bresee '51 and Robert Hansen '57. The rink was designed by Populous, a renowned architectural firm that has designed numerous sports facilities, including Madison Square Garden and the Xcel Energy Center, home of the Minnesota Wild NHL team. The facility was built to replace the old Union College rink, which was located on the same campus and had been the home of the Dutchmen hockey team since the 1970s, competing against teams like the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers and the Clarkson University Golden Knights. The new rink was officially opened in 2010 and has since hosted numerous ice hockey events, including games featuring teams from the Big Ten Conference, such as the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers.

● Facilities

Achilles Rink features a state-of-the-art ice sheet, as well as seating for over 2,000 spectators, making it an ideal venue for ice hockey events, including matches featuring teams from the NHL, such as the New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres. The facility also includes locker rooms, a training room, and a weight room, as well as a pro shop and a concession stand, similar to those found at other ice hockey venues, such as the TD Garden in Boston and the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. The rink is also equipped with a video scoreboard and a sound system, making it an excellent venue for hosting ice hockey tournaments, including the ECAC Hockey tournament and the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship. The facility has also hosted games against teams from the Canadian Hockey League, including the Ottawa 67's and the London Knights.

● Events

Achilles Rink has hosted numerous ice hockey events, including matches featuring teams from the ECAC Hockey conference, such as the Princeton University Tigers and the Dartmouth College Big Green. The facility has also been the site of games against teams from the Hockey East conference, including the University of New Hampshire Wildcats and the University of Vermont Catamounts. In addition to ice hockey events, the rink has also hosted other events, such as concerts and figure skating competitions, featuring performers like Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood, and skaters like Nancy Kerrigan and Todd Eldredge. The facility has also been used for Union College events, including commencement ceremonies and alumni gatherings, similar to those held at other institutions, such as Harvard University and Yale University.

● Location

Achilles Rink is located on the campus of Union College in Schenectady, New York, near the Mohawk River and the New York State Thruway. The facility is easily accessible by car, and there are several parking options available on campus, including the Union College parking garage and the Schenectady County parking lot. The rink is also within walking distance of several hotels and restaurants in the Schenectady area, including the Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady and the Proctors Theatre. The facility is situated near other ice hockey venues, including the Times Union Center in Albany and the Utica Memorial Auditorium in Utica, making it an ideal location for hosting ice hockey tournaments and events, featuring teams from the American Hockey League, such as the Albany Devils and the Utica Comets.

Category:Ice hockey venues in New York