State Of Hockey

Call for the Hall: Minnesota to get its own Hockey Hall of Fame

Posted on by Let's Play Hockey

MINNESOTA HOCKEY HALL OF FAME LAUNCHES LEGACY PROJECT CELEBRATING STATE’S STORIED HOCKEY HERITAGE

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame (MNHHOF) today announced the launch of a landmark legacy project honoring the athletes, coaches, officials,
teams and contributors who have shaped the state’s unmatched hockey tradition. 

Led by Chief Executive Officer Natalie Darwitz—three-time U.S. Olympian and Hockey Hall of Fame member—the Hall will serve as both a permanent tribute to Minnesota’s deep hockey roots and a dynamic hub for community connection, education and inspiration.
“Minnesota has an unrivaled amount of success and passion when it comes to hockey. This project will finally give our game the permanent home it deserves,” said Darwitz. “We’re celebrating the full journey of hockey in our state, from kids just learning the game to legends at the highest level. Every community in our state has a story worth telling.”
The MNHHOF, an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is backed by a diverse Advisory Board of some of Minnesota’s most celebrated hockey figures, an Ambassador Program featuring more than 100 men and women who have made a lasting impact on the game in Minnesota, and foundational support from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
“The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame is an important legacy project that will celebrate and preserve the state’s rich hockey history for generations to come,” said Jamie Dinsmore, President and CEO of the Hockey Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to support their launch and look forward to seeing this vision come to life as a place where the stories, achievements, and people who shaped Minnesota hockey are honored.”
The MNHHOF will be more than a museum. The space will operate as a 120,000+ square-foot interactive destination. Plans include a 30,000-square-foot museum with a Great Hall and five exhibit wings, a state-of-the-art sunken ice rink, a 20,000-square-foot performance hall, a hockey-themed restaurant and bar, and signature event spaces.
Cutting-edge technology will immerse fans in the game through 360-degree digital experiences and hands-on exhibits where visitors can skate, shoot and relive historic moments.
Beyond preserving history, the Hall will focus on growing the game through grassroots development programs, traveling exhibits, youth education initiatives and an Ambassador Program projected to feature 250+ Minnesota-born or developed individuals over the next 12-months.
“This project is long overdue, and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting announcement,” said hockey legend Lou Nanne. “In my decades-long career in the game of hockey, I think I will know nearly every single individual who will be honored here. It’s an incredible way to recognize the people and stories that make Minnesota hockey so unique and deserving of this kind of permanent home.”
The MNHHOF plans to break ground in June 2026 with a grand opening in May 2028, positioning it as a premier tourism and cultural destination in the Twin Cities and beyond.

What local hockey icons are saying about the project:

David Backes

“I’m thrilled to see the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame become a reality. Hockey is such a big part of our state’s identity, and this will be a place where fans young and old can celebrate the game’s history and the people who helped shape it. I have no doubt it’ll be one of the most popular stops for anyone who loves hockey.”

Keith Ballard

“Growing up in Baudette, hockey was everything. I was fortunate to play at every level here in Minnesota, always with friends and family supporting me. Now, as I get to coach and watch my own kids play, I’m reminded of how special this game is. The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame will honor so many deserving people while telling the story of hockey for my kids and generations to come.”

Kelly Brooks-Paradise

“I’m honored to serve as the Advisory Board Chair for the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame and to be part of bringing this project to life. This Hall will celebrate the incredible history of hockey in Minnesota, including my dad’s legacy. I know if he were here today, he’d be so excited to see it all coming together.”

Alex Goligoski

“As someone who grew up in the Minnesota hockey community, this project is so exciting. I’ve seen it at every level, from youth hockey to high school, college, and professionally. This sport is engrained in us as Minnesotans. The support and passion we have for this great sport is why we truly are the best state for hockey. The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame will be an amazing place to celebrate what this great sport has meant for so many of us and to continue to build our bond with the greatest game on earth.”

Taylor Heise

“As someone who has played hockey in just about every state in the US, it would mean so much to have a Hockey Hall of Fame in Minnesota. I grew up playing Hockey here and couldn’t think of a better way to have done it. Minnesota is and always will be known for hockey and continues to house some of the best men’s and women’s hockey players in the world.”

Darby Hendrickson

“I grew up in a hockey family and was fortunate to live out my dream playing the game at every level in Minnesota. As my family and I work to honor my father’s legacy, I’m thrilled to see the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame launch—a true home for the greats who have come from this state.” Page 2 of 2

Rob McClanahan

“Growing up playing high school and college hockey in Minnesota and then being a part of the 1980 Olympic team with so many fellow Minnesotans, I’ve always taken great pride in coming from a place recognized worldwide for its hockey culture. To now help shape the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame as an Advisory Board member is an honor, and it’s exciting to be part of a true legacy project.”

Ryan McDonagh

“Being from Minnesota, hockey is ingrained in your life. The opportunities to participate and be a part of the sport are endless. The game and the entire community around it have shaped who I am. It’s exciting to see the sport honored in such a meaningful way with the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.”

Pat Micheletti

“To honor the great players and people for accomplishing not only the great things they have done on the ice but also off the ice in shaping our great state I think is long overdue. There are so many that we grew up wanting to be like and emulate. It’s a great time to honor those people as they paved the way for other aspiring hockey players.”

Mark Parrish

“Growing up in Minnesota and idolizing the Broten brothers, I always thought, if they can make it, maybe I can too. That’s how every kid in Minnesota feels. Our State’s rich hockey history deserves to be celebrated and told for generations to come. The Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame is long overdue, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Krissy Wendell-Pohl

“Growing up in Minnesota playing on boys’ teams, to now watching two of my daughters win a state title, I’ve seen firsthand how far the women’s game has come. From being part of a state championship myself to winning a National Championship with the U of M, hockey has shaped so much of my life. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of the launch of the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame. This project will not only celebrate our state’s incredible hockey history but also continue to grow the women’s game for generations to come.”

Grace Zumwinkle

“Growing up and playing hockey in Minnesota throughout youth, high school, college and now professional has always been a lifelong dream. Minnesota has produced so much national and international talent, and the talent deserves to be recognized with the Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame. I can’t think of something more memorable than to be recognized with something like this that will continue to promote the amazing individuals we have within our state.”