In the vast expanse of the Sonoran Desert, an enthusiastic community has embraced hockey with fervor, demonstrating that love for the sport knows no geographical boundaries. Despite the scorching temperatures, Tucson’s hockey aficionados are fostering a lively scene that defies the traditional icy setting of the game.
The journey of Tucson’s hockey scene is not one of chance but rather the result of relentless efforts by local families and organizers committed to expanding ice access and nurturing young talent. This dedication has led to a surge in youth hockey participation, surpassing the capacity of the city’s singular ice facility and highlighting a statewide scarcity of rinks.
Rob Mattina, vice president of marketing for Tucson’s minor league team, the Roadrunners, underscores the grassroots challenges: “There’s one ice arena in all of Tucson. And you’ve got to get the kids involved, right? Because once the kids get involved at the grassroots level, you build them for the long-term future of the franchise.” His experience growing up in Boston, where hockey was more accessible, contrasts sharply with the current limitations faced by Arizona’s budding players.
Despite these obstacles, the sport is gaining traction in the desert. Families are adapting to irregular practice schedules and traveling significant distances to secure ice time, driven by the hope that infrastructure will eventually meet the growing demand.
Adam Cracknell, former captain of the Roadrunners, is personally invested in nurturing this growth. Spending his summer mentoring young players at the Tucson Convention Center, he notes the sport’s increasing popularity: “Hockey itself is growing as a sport, obviously, in these hot states, but Arizona is growing so much,” he said. His commitment to teaching reflects the community’s broader ambition to sustain hockey’s momentum.
The demand for ice surfaces is evident, with Arizona housing only 16 rinks, a modest number for a rapidly expanding state. Tucson’s single rink, located at the Tucson Convention Center, serves as the nucleus for public skating and organized hockey, laying the foundation for the Roadrunners’ junior program, which has flourished since its inception in 2016.
Looking ahead, the MQ Iceplex, scheduled to open in spring 2027 as part of the Mosaic Quarter development, promises to revolutionize ice sports in southern Arizona. This facility will boast three ice rinks and a 3,000-seat arena, catering to hockey, figure skating, and other ice activities. It will also contribute to local economic growth by hosting travel tournaments and other events.
Bob Hoffman, president of the Roadrunners, highlights the importance of expanding ice access: “The only reason we have to limit it is that we only have one sheet of ice.” He recalls the growth sparked when the Coyotes moved to Phoenix in 1996, emphasizing the potential for homegrown talent to emerge as more ice becomes available.
While the NHL’s departure from Arizona cast uncertainty over professional hockey, Tucson’s community remains steadfast in its support for the Roadrunners. However, challenges persist, particularly with reports suggesting a potential relocation of the team to Reno, Nevada, after two more seasons. Such a move could impact the youth programs that rely on the team’s presence to sustain interest in the sport.
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
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