Over the past couple of years, it has become a tradition for the Saint Xavier Hockey team to play a game on NHL ice. The Tigers have experienced playing on the NHL ice throughout the past four years, traveling to three different arenas.
In 2022, this tradition of the Tigers playing on an NHL ice surface began, where the Tigers played at Bridgestone Arena, home of the Nashville Predators. The overall experience was amazing, so yet again the Tigers took the ice at Bridgestone Arena the following year, where they got a big 8-1 win vs. Mason High School.
In 2024 the tradition continued, with the Tigers traveling to Chicago, IL, where they faced off at the United Center, home of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Tigers got to meet Blackhawks goalie, Arvid Soderblom and watch the Blackhawks game that same night.
“It’s such a unique experience and not something everyone gets to do.” senior assistant captain Henry Arnold said. “Especially where there is so much history and culture, having the opportunity to skate where the best players in world play was incredible.”
In January of this year, the Tigers took on Eureka High School at the Enterprise Center, home of the St. Louis Blues. Despite the Tigers losing, it was still a great experience for the team. Later that night the team got to watch the St. Louis Blues take on the Columbus Blue Jackets, thus adding to the experience of the weekend.
Having the opportunity to play on NHL ice has created experiences for the team that they will never forget. Year after year, the Tiger hockey team looks forward to what new NHL arena they will get to play at next.
