Petit National Ice Center

Petit National Ice Center, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a state-of-the-art ice skating facility that serves as the home of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Panthers men's ice hockey team. The center is named after Lloyd Pettit, a renowned National Hockey League play-by-play announcer, and Jane Pettit, his wife, who were both avid supporters of ice hockey and figure skating. The Petit National Ice Center is also used by various United States Figure Skating Association and USA Hockey teams, including the Milwaukee Admirals and the Milwaukee Junior Admirals. The center has hosted several high-profile events, including the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship and the US Figure Skating Championships, which have featured notable athletes such as Scott Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Brett Hull.

● Introduction

The Petit National Ice Center is a premier ice skating facility in the Midwest, offering a wide range of programs and services for ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating enthusiasts. The center is equipped with two NHL-sized ice rinks, a pro shop, and a concession stand, making it an ideal destination for athletes and spectators alike. The center has been recognized for its excellence by organizations such as the United States Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and has hosted events featuring notable teams such as the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men's ice hockey team and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's ice hockey team. The center's staff includes experienced coaches and instructors, such as Mike Eaves, a former University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men's ice hockey coach, and Katie McGovern, a former US Figure Skating champion.

● History

The Petit National Ice Center was opened in 1993, with the support of Lloyd Pettit and Jane Pettit, who donated $1 million to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee to establish the center. The center was designed by HOK Sport, a renowned architectural firm that has designed several other notable sports facilities, including the United Center in Chicago and the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The center has undergone several renovations and expansions since its opening, including the addition of a new ice rink and a strength and conditioning center. The center has hosted numerous events over the years, including the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship and the US Figure Skating Championships, which have featured notable athletes such as Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, and Dorothy Hamill.

● Facilities

The Petit National Ice Center features two NHL-sized ice rinks, each with a seating capacity of over 2,000 spectators. The center also includes a pro shop, a concession stand, and a strength and conditioning center, making it a comprehensive training facility for athletes. The center's ice rinks are equipped with state-of-the-art ice resurfacing machines, ensuring that the ice surface is always in top condition. The center has also hosted events featuring notable teams such as the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings, and has been recognized for its excellence by organizations such as the National Hockey League and the United States Figure Skating Association. The center's facilities have been used by athletes such as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Evan Lysacek, who have all competed in events at the center.

● Events

The Petit National Ice Center has hosted a wide range of events over the years, including the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship, the US Figure Skating Championships, and the USA Hockey National Championships. The center has also hosted several WCHA and CCHA ice hockey tournaments, featuring teams such as the University of Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team and the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks men's ice hockey team. The center has been recognized for its excellence in hosting events, and has been awarded the NCAA's Host Site Award on several occasions. The center has also hosted events featuring notable athletes such as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Meryl Davis, who have all competed in events at the center.

● Operations

The Petit National Ice Center is operated by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, which offers a range of programs and services for ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating enthusiasts. The center is open year-round, and offers public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and figure skating lessons. The center is also home to several ice hockey and figure skating clubs, including the Milwaukee Admirals and the Milwaukee Figure Skating Club. The center's staff includes experienced coaches and instructors, such as Tony Granato, a former University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men's ice hockey coach, and Robin Cousins, a former US Figure Skating champion. The center has been recognized for its excellence by organizations such as the United States Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and has hosted events featuring notable teams such as the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. Category:Ice hockey venues in the United States