HANDOUTS 11/07/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

shape to begin with", and sadly only lasted one year within Gold Medal Arena before the historic dashers were replaced in 2001 by the city of Brainerd - whom at the time operated the Arenas. Not a single tax dollar was EVER used to erect either arena. It was a community involvement from the start from the unselfish generosity in the funds donated, materials used, and the dedicated labor made it possible for the valuable community facility in which it stands today. The adjacently connected rinks have over 39,000 square feet of available space. Both arenas are used for ice November-March; June-August. The Civic Center Arena has over 22,000 square feet, where as the Gold Medal Arena has over 17,000 square feet. The Brainerd Hockey Foundation recently took over operation again of both rinks on October 25, 2013 for the selling price of a $1.00. The city of Brainerd was losing money in the tune of $80-100,000 a year from operating expenses causing BAHA to also previously take over opearations on October 1, 2009 after the City Council wanted both arenas shut down. The entire Brainerd Hockey Community owe Mr. Bob Olson, Dr. Echternacht and Art Donlinger a debt of gratitude for their collective vision to make the building a reality. Mr. Bob Olson served as volunteer General Manager of the Brainerd Youth Hockey Association for over 18 years, and operated Hardware Hank from 1971-1990 where countless youth purchased sticks, tape and hockey gear in Brainerd. Ironically, Bob's son Eric Olson, years later removed from Brainerd living in Waunakee Wisconsin spearheaded local efforts to erect the Waunakee DeForest Ice Rink,just as his father before him did. Special thanks to Dan Anderson at Brainerds own Hockey House shop, Brainerd Rink Manager/Coach Jim Archibald, and Bob Olson for taking the time to answer questions for us on the origins of BAHA and the history rich Brainerd Civic Arena.