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Ed Saugestad Rink (Augsburg Ice Arena)
ADDRESS: 2323 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454 (click for Google Maps)
CAPACITY: 800 (bleacher seating)
SPORTS: Ice Hockey (M/W)
The larger of the two rinks at the Augsburg Ice Arena, Ed Saugestad Rink ("Rink A"), is the main competition rink for the Augsburg men's and women's hockey teams. It is one of only three on-campus ice rinks for colleges in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference; and one of only three on-campus ice facilities among all colleges and universities in the Twin Cities area (the other two are at the University of Minnesota).
The ice sheet measures 200-feet long by 85-feet wide, the "NHL" standard for ice hockey ("Olympic" ice sheets are 200-by-100), featuring NHL-standard boards and safety plexiglass. There are two locker rooms for use by visiting teams and game officials in the main arena. The Augsburg squads have separate locker rooms outside of the arena. Both rinks are served by an electric-powered, energy-efficient Zamboni ice resurfacer.
In 2010, the rink was rededicated in honor of Ed Saugestad '59, the coach who built the school's men's hockey program to national prominence. Graphics on the north side of the rink showcase Saugestad's contributions to Augsburg, as well as the college's men's and women's hockey history.
A 1959 Augsburg alumnus, Saugestad began his coaching career during his senior year, 1958, and coached the Auggies until 1996, compiling a 503-354-21 record. His Auggies won Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles six straight years (1977-82), qualified for national tournament play 10 times and won the NAIA national championship in 1978, 1981 and 1982. He coached 22 All-Americans during his Augsburg career. Saugestad was named NAIA National Coach of the Year three times and MIAC Coach of the Year six times.
Saugestad was awarded the American Hockey Coaches Association's John MacInnes Award in 2002 to honor his contributions in the growth of amateur hockey in the United States, and was named as the Hobey Baker Legends of Hockey honoree in 2007. The MIAC christened its playoff championship trophy as the Ed Saugestad Trophy in 1998. He was inducted into Augsburg's Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978.
In addition to his hockey coaching duties, Saugestad also served on the Augsburg football coaching staff from 1959-84, including two years (1970-71) as head coach. Now recognized as a Faculty Emeriti, Saugestad taught in the Health and Physical Education department throughout his career, and served as the college's men's athletic director from 1981-87. The Augsburg athletic department has named its academic awards for male student-athletes as the Ed Saugestad Academic Award.
The smaller of the two rinks at Augsburg Ice Arena, "Rink B," measures 200-feet by 70-feet, ideal for youth hockey. The small rink is the primary home of the Figure Skating Club of Minneapolis, one of the largest figure skating clubs in Minnesota. The club uses the small rink for practices year-round, and holds several of its competitions and special programs on the main "Rink A" rink, as well as "Rink B." The FSCM office is in the small rink.
The small rink is also home to numerous community and college sporting events, including Augsburg intramurals in broomball and youth hockey. Both rinks also feature "open ice" hours for free use by Augsburg students, faculty and staff. There is also a locker room inside the small rink.
