What NHL practice facilities are and who uses them

NHL practice facilities are ice rinks owned or leased by professional hockey teams, used for team training, skill development, and conditioning during the season and off-season. Unlike the large arenas where games are played—which hold 15,000 to 20,000 spectators—practice rinks are smaller, built for efficiency rather than crowds. Most NHL teams operate one primary practice facility, though some larger markets maintain multiple rinks for different purposes.

These facilities serve the team's roster, coaching staff, and sometimes minor-league affiliates or development programs. A typical practice rink has one or two sheets of ice, locker rooms, training areas, and video review spaces. The setup allows coaches to run drills, work on specific plays, and condition players without the distractions or costs of a full game arena.

Key Takeaways

  • Most NHL teams own or lease a dedicated practice facility separate from their game arena, designed for training rather than spectators.
  • Practice rinks typically have one or two ice sheets, locker rooms, and coaching facilities, and are smaller and less expensive to operate than game arenas.
  • Some teams share facilities with college programs, junior leagues, or other professional teams to reduce costs.
  • Public skating and youth hockey programs often use NHL practice facilities during off-hours, generating additional revenue for the team.
  • Location and ice quality matter to player development, so teams invest in modern equipment and climate control systems.

How teams choose and build practice facilities

An NHL team's choice of practice facility depends on location, cost, and proximity to the game arena. Teams in major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto often own their own facilities, while smaller-market teams may lease space from municipal rinks or share with college hockey programs. Building a new facility costs tens of millions of dollars, so most teams either purchase an existing rink or negotiate long-term leases.

The facility must meet NHL standards for ice size (200 feet by 85 feet, the same as a game rink), temperature control, and player safety. Teams also consider proximity to their game arena—ideally within 15 to 30 minutes of travel—so players can practice and return home or to the arena without excessive commute time. Some teams locate practice facilities near their team headquarters or training complex.

Newer facilities often include advanced features like video analysis rooms, strength and conditioning areas, sports medicine clinics, and player lounges. These additions support the team's coaching and medical staff and allow players to train, recover, and review game footage in one location.

Shared and multi-use practice facilities

Not every NHL team operates a standalone facility. Some share ice time with college hockey programs, junior leagues, or other professional teams. The Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, for example, share the Ball Arena complex. The Vegas Golden Knights use the City National Arena, which also hosts the University of Nevada, Las Vegas hockey team and other events.

Shared arrangements reduce costs for the NHL team but require careful scheduling to avoid conflicts. A typical schedule might give the NHL team morning and afternoon ice time, with college or junior teams using evening slots. Municipal rinks in smaller markets often operate on similar schedules, with the NHL team booking prime hours and other users filling the remaining time.

Multi-use facilities also generate revenue through public skating, youth hockey leagues, and private rentals during hours the NHL team is not using the ice. This income helps offset the facility's operating costs and makes the investment more sustainable for the team.

What happens during NHL practice sessions

A typical NHL practice lasts 60 to 90 minutes and follows a structured format. The session usually begins with a warm-up, moves into skill drills or tactical work, and ends with conditioning or game-situation drills. Coaches use the practice facility to isolate specific elements—power play formations, penalty kill strategies, or individual player development—without the pressure of a game environment.

Practice facilities also host optional skates, where players can work on conditioning or skill development outside the main team practice. Injured players often use the facility for rehabilitation skating under the supervision of the team's medical staff. Goaltenders may have separate ice time for specialized drills.

The coaching staff uses video systems in the facility to record and review drills, compare player performance, and prepare for upcoming opponents. Many modern facilities have glass-enclosed coaching booths with direct ice access, allowing coaches to stop play and provide real-time feedback.

Public access and community use of practice facilities

Many NHL practice facilities open to the public during off-hours, offering public skating sessions, youth hockey programs, and ice time rentals. This generates revenue for the team and builds community engagement. Some facilities host local youth leagues, high school hockey teams, or figure skating clubs during evenings and weekends.

The availability of public skating varies by facility and season. During the NHL season, ice time is limited because the team practices daily. During the off-season, facilities may offer more public hours. Some teams charge admission for public skating, while others operate on a membership or season-pass model.

Youth hockey programs often benefit from using NHL facilities, as the ice quality and amenities are superior to many municipal rinks. Teams sometimes offer discounted ice time to local youth leagues as part of community outreach programs.

Operating costs and facility management

Operating an NHL practice facility costs between $2 million and $5 million per year, depending on size, location, and amenities. Costs include ice maintenance, utilities, staff salaries, equipment, and repairs. Ice resurfacing machines (called Zambonis) run continuously during practice hours and require regular maintenance. Climate control systems must maintain ice temperature year-round, which is expensive in warm climates.

Teams employ facility managers, ice technicians, and maintenance staff to keep the rink operational. Many facilities also employ athletic trainers, strength coaches, and medical personnel who work in the facility's training areas. The team's coaching staff uses office space within the facility for planning and administrative work.

Some teams offset operating costs by renting ice time to other users, hosting events, or leasing office space to hockey-related businesses. A few facilities operate year-round with summer camps, off-season training programs, and public skating to maximize revenue.

Notable NHL practice facilities

The New Jersey Devils practice at the Prudential Center's training facility in Newark, which they share with the Prudential Center arena. The Dallas Stars use the StarCenters, a multi-rink complex in Frisco, Texas, which also hosts youth hockey and public skating. The Toronto Maple Leafs practice at the Scotiabank Arena's training facility, located near their game arena in downtown Toronto.

The Vegas Golden Knights' City National Arena is one of the most modern facilities in the league, featuring two ice sheets, a 60,000-square-foot training complex, and a 2,000-seat arena for development team games. The Los Angeles Kings practice at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, which includes training facilities, offices, and a development team arena.

Newer facilities like these represent the current standard for NHL practice infrastructure, with multiple ice sheets, integrated training areas, and modern technology. Older facilities continue to operate but may lack some of these amenities, though teams regularly upgrade equipment and systems to maintain competitive standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch an NHL team practice?

Most NHL teams allow public observation of some practices, though access varies by team and season. Some teams hold open practices during training camp or before the season begins. During the regular season, practices are often closed to the public or limited to credentialed media. Contact your local team's website or ticket office to find out their specific policy.

Are NHL practice facilities the same size as game arenas?

The ice sheet is the same size—200 feet by 85 feet—but the building is much smaller. Practice facilities don't need spectator seating, concessions, or large lobby areas, so they cost less to build and operate than game arenas. A practice rink might be 50,000 to 80,000 square feet, while a game arena is often 200,000 square feet or larger.

What is the ice made of at NHL practice facilities?

NHL ice is made from frozen water, just like any ice rink. The process involves freezing layers of water on a concrete or asphalt base, then resurfacing with a Zamboni machine between practices. The ice is kept at about 24 degrees Fahrenheit, and the facility's climate control system maintains consistent temperature and humidity to prevent melting or cracking.

Do minor-league teams use NHL practice facilities?

Some do. Many NHL teams own or operate American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate teams that practice at the same facility or a nearby rink. The schedule is coordinated so both teams have ice time. Some facilities have multiple sheets of ice, allowing the NHL team and AHL team to practice simultaneously on different sheets.

How often do NHL teams practice?

During the regular season, most teams practice four to five times per week, with practice days scheduled around game days. A team playing two games per week might practice three days between games. During the off-season, teams may hold optional skates or development camps. The exact schedule depends on the team's coaching staff and the league calendar.