The University of Connecticut (UConn) has a rich history in ice hockey, marked by the evolution of its arenas from humble beginnings to state-of-the-art facilities. This journey reflects the growth and increasing prominence of the UConn hockey program over the years.
Early Days: The Outdoor UConn Ice Arena
Before the construction of modern facilities, UConn's hockey teams played their home games at the UConn Ice Arena, an outdoor rink. Located on the same footprint where Freitas Ice Forum now stands, the ice sheet was covered by a large wooden roof but open on the sides.
There was also a Quonset hut built in the 1920s for staying warm nearby. Former UConn coach Bruce Marshall recalled those days, noting the sense of community and shared experience of playing in the outdoor rink. Marshall had plenty of experience with outdoor hockey after playing for the Huskies from 1982-85 and coaching them in the old rink from 1989-1998. The new facility opened in 1965 and served as the Huskies’ home throughout their years in Division III.
The Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum: A Step Up
In 1998, a significant upgrade came with the opening of the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum. Freitas Ice Forum opened on November 7, 1998, replacing the outdoor UConn Ice Arena. Its construction was a part of the UCONN 2000 commitment by the State of Connecticut to help rebuild, renew, and enhance the campuses of the University of Connecticut, paired with the hockey teams' elevation to Division I status.
The building was named for Mark E. Freitas. Located in Storrs, Connecticut, this 2,000-seat hockey rink became the new home for the UConn Huskies men's and women's ice hockey teams. In 1998, the school tore it down and replaced it with Freitas Ice Forum as the program elevated to Division I.
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Key Events Hosted at Freitas Ice Forum
The arena hosted several important events, including:
- The 2000 MAAC Championship (won by UConn)
- The 2001 MAAC tournament
- The 2002 ECAC women's hockey tournament
- The 2008 Hockey East Women's Tournament
The men's hockey team used the venue for home games until 2014 when they joined the Hockey East conference. Upon joining the conference, the team played in the PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford, Connecticut. For the duration of the 2020-21 season, the men's team reverted to using the Forum due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The women's hockey team played in the Forum until 2022.
Transition and New Use
While initially used as a practice facility for the varsity teams and the home ice of its club hockey teams following the move,[1] in 2024 the forum was converted for use as the home facility for the UConn volleyball teams. Until then, volleyball had been played in Harry A.
The Toscano Family Ice Forum
The Toscano Family Ice Forum: A Modern Era
The University of Connecticut’s new ice arena, the Toscano Family Ice Forum, opened its doors in January 2023. It has been more than a decade in the making but finally, UConn hockey has a new on-campus home. Both the UConn men’s and women’s hockey teams have practiced at the Toscano Family Ice Forum and their first games are this weekend.
Located on UConn’s Storrs campus, the state-of-the-art facility boasts an initial seating capacity of 2,600, designed for potential future expansion to accommodate up to 3,500 spectators. The arena hosted its first UConn women's hockey game on January 13, 2023 and its first UConn men's hockey game on January 14, 2023.
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Features and Design
Replacing UConn’s outdated existing rink, the new arena is designed to meet NCAA Division I ice hockey requirements. The new center features two locker rooms - a “wet” locker room for all hockey gear, and a “dry” locker room for all other items.
Sustainability goals included various energy and water-efficient design strategies in keeping with the University’s commitment to make its capital projects as environmentally friendly as possible. Ice arenas require specialized HVAC solutions to protect the occupants and assets within the space, focusing on pressurization, humidity, and temperature control.
Impact on UConn Hockey
This new rink will help UConn take the next step with recruitment and more importantly, with its program. The Huskies had some of the worst facilities in Hockey East and still almost won the title last season.
In its first full season as the home of UConn hockey, the Toscano Family Ice Forum witnessed history being made. Not only has the new facility given the players all the resources they need, it’s allowed the two programs to grow closer compared to when they were in Freitas Ice Forum. “One of the best things about Toscano is that we have a lot more interaction with the women's team,” UConn men’s hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh said.
The evolution of UConn's hockey arenas demonstrates the university's commitment to its hockey program and its athletes. From the early days of outdoor rinks to the modern amenities of the Toscano Family Ice Forum, UConn hockey has come a long way, providing its teams with the resources they need to compete at the highest level.
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