When you’re known as “Original Hockey Town, USA,” you’re bound to have a handful of ice rinks that have hosted decades of entertainment. Whether you love hockey, figure skating, or public skating, Sault Ste. Marie has the perfect rink for you.
In total, the Soo boasts five ice rinks:
- Pullar Community Building and Stadium (City-owned)
- Kaine’s Rink (City-owned)
- Big Bear Arena (Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians) – featuring two rinks, including an Olympic-sized sheet of ice
Taffy Abel Arena (Lake Superior State University) – home to the three-time NCAA National Champion Lakers
📍 Location: Portage Avenue
The Pullar Community Building and Stadium is the heart of skating in Sault Ste. Marie. Since its construction in 1939, this historic ice rink has been a hub for hockey, figure skating, public skating, and even circuses, dances, and ceremonies.
From 1948 to 1958, the Detroit Red Wings held their training camp at the Pullar, cementing Sault Ste. Marie’s reputation as “Original Hockey Town, USA.” NHL legends like Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, and Red Kelly all played here.
Today, the Pullar remains a vibrant part of the community, hosting:
- Public skating sessions
- The Hiawatha Skating Club
- Hockey teams like the Soo Eagles
📍 Location: Easterday Avenue
Kaine’s Rink is another City-owned rink, offering ice time for youth and adult hockey leagues throughout the winter. But it’s not just for hockey! In the summer, the rink transforms into a venue for flea markets, community gatherings, and events.
Interested in renting ice time or learning more? Click here for details.
Opened in 1997, Big Bear Arena is a state-of-the-art 150,000 sq. ft. sports and fitness facility operated by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It’s the only rink in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with two sheets of ice under one roof:
- Regulation-size hockey rink
- Olympic-size rink (15 feet wider than a standard NHL rink)
🏒 Home to: The Sault Area High School Blue Devils hockey team
⛸️ Amenities:
- Public skating sessions
- On-site skate rentals
Find out more about Big Bear Arena here.
📍 Location: Norris Center, Lake Superior State University
Named after Sault Ste. Marie native and NHL player Clarence “Taffy” Abel, this 4,000-seat arena is the largest in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Since its opening in 1976, the rink has hosted some of the top college hockey teams in the nation.
🏆 Home to:
- The Lake Superior State University Lakers
- Three-time NCAA National Champions
One of the arena’s highlights is the upper concourse, where NHL jerseys from LSSU alumni like Doug Weight and Brian Rolston are proudly displayed.
Sault Ste. Marie hockey spotlight
Over the years, Sault Ste. Marie has seen its share of successful hockey players call the Soo home whether they were born here or living here while playing during the season. In addition to LSSU alumni such as Doug Weight, Brian Rolston, Jim Dowd, and Soo Indian’s alum Ryan Miller, here are three hockey players with Sault Ste. Marie ties
Clarence “Taffy” Abel
Clarence “Taffy” Abel
1900-1964
On top of being the namesake for the Lake Superior State University’s arena, Taffy Abel was Ojibwe. Taffy was the first indigenous men’s hockey player to compete in the Winter Olympics. He was later the first indigenous person to play in the NHL. Read more about this icon here.
Jeff Blashill
Jeff Blashill
Jeff was born in Sault Ste. Marie and was a successful player as a goalie before becoming a successful NHL coach. He played for Ferris State University and later played in the USHL. Jeff served as the head coach of the Detroit Red Wings from 2015-2022. During his tenure he coached many of the team’s stars such as Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider. He also lead the Grand Rapids Griffins to the Calder Cup in 2013.
Share Your Ice Rink Memories!
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