Hockey Day Minnesota 2014 - Will Elk River Be a Contender?

Elk River is trying to win the nomination to be the host for Hockey Day Minnesota 2014, and officials for the Elk River Area School District along with other Elk River community leaders believe they have the winning combination in the Handke Pit and the community.

There has been a great outpouring of support with leaders such as Elk River High School Principal Terry Bizal and others working to make this happen.

After the end of Hockey Day Minnesota two weekends ago, School District Superintendent Mark Bezek along with Debbi Rydberg of the Elk River Area Chamber of the Commerce, Elk River City Administrator Cal Portner, Elk River Economic Development Director Annie Deckert started rallying for our local school to be the new site for Hockey Day Minnesota 2014.

The goal is to take advantage of the glacier-formed bowl stadium that has been home to thousands of hockey players, including four NHL hockey players.

“We are the iconic hockey town,” Rydberg said. “Hockey is in our veins! Between Handke stadium and the success of our hockey program producing NHL players, we are powered by hockey.”

Hockey Day Minnesota takes the State of Hockey back to its origins.

The Handke stadium was dedicated in 1925 and enlarged as part of the New Deal, the Handke (formerly Elk River High School) Pit is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bezek said organizers have two big requirements, including a good hockey program and a unique venue.

The 2013 event will be held at Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids. The exact date will be announced this summer.

So root for our local community to be the host for what could be a great business booster. And, take part in rallying!