After Hamline opened the season at Drake Arena, the ice is now in at the Coliseum and the Pipers will host Saint Mary’s University on Friday and Saturday night in MIAC play. The women will host the Cardinals on Friday, November 19, at 7:00 p.m. while the men will host them at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20.

The Pipers originally began play at the Coliseum in the mid-1970s and called it their home ice through the 2004-05 season. On Monday, both teams held their first practice of the 2010-11 season at the Coliseum.

“We are excited to once again call the Warner Coliseum the home of Piper hockey,” said director of athletics Bob Beeman. “With a nationally-ranked team competing for playoff opportunities, we now have a home rink that is capable of hosting an NCAA post-season contest.”

Beeman added, “Beyond our on-ice aspirations, the move back to the Coliseum was executed in large part to support our student-athletes. With afternoon practice times and expanded locker room facilities all just a stone’s throw from campus, we are better able to support our students’ academic pursuits while simultaneously helping them balance the myriad of obligations they face daily.”

Hamline’s identity will be apparent at the Coliseum with the “HU” logo in the ice just inside the blue line in both attacking zones. Additionally, the locker rooms will feature the Pipers’ signature burgundy on the walls.

In keeping with Beeman’s stated goals of better supporting Piper student-athletes, the athletic department installed bleachers between the boards and the main seating area on the side opposite the benches to create a special “HU Student Section.”

“There is a great deal of hockey history in the state of Minnesota centered around the Coliseum and we are excited to be a part of that,” said women’s head coach Steve DeBus. “Additionally, it is thrilling for our players to be able to practice and play so close to campus.”

In addition to being the hockey home of the Pipers, the Coliseum hosts Minnesota State High School League section tournament games and is a municipal ice rink for many local leagues. 

“It’s an exciting move for the team,” added men’s head coach Scott Bell after the first practice at the Coliseum. “A lot of our players have good memories from big high school wins at this rink and look forward to recreating those moments as a Piper.”

When the ice is thawed, it is home to numerous horse and cattle shows throughout the year. The building also houses many small businesses in the concourse during the Minnesota State Fair each August.

To learn more about the Warner Coliseum, and for directions and parking information, click here.