Frequently Asked Questions: Skating at the Tommie Ice Plex
We're excited to be utilizing the brand new University of St. Thomas Auxiliary Rink, known as the Tommie Ice Plex, starting in the 2025-26 season! To help everyone get acquainted with this new facility, here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Q: What is the Tommie Ice Plex?
A: The Tommie Ice Plex is the auxiliary rink located at the University of St. Thomas. In fact, insiders call it the "Auxillary Rink" but the official name is the "Tommie Ice Plex". Either way, it's a state-of-the-art facility that we are very fortunate to be able to use for our program, thanks to our partnership with St. Thomas Athletics.
Q: Where is the Tommie Ice Plex located?
A: The rink is located on the University of St. Thomas campus just west of the Anderson Parking Facility ramp on the southwest corner of Cretin Avenue and Grand Avenue. People have reported that when they put "Anderson Parking Facility" in their GPS, they found themselves somewhere else completely. So keep it simple and just head to the parking facility on the southwest corner of Cretin Avenue and Grand Avenue. Download map here.
Q: When we have ice scheduled, what time can we enter the facility?
A: The Tommie Ice Plex doors will automatically unlock 30 minutes before your scheduled ice time. They will then lock for entry 30 minutes after the final skate of the day. While you can always exit the facility, please note that re-entry will not be possible once the doors have locked.
Q: Where do we enter the facility?
There is a loading zone/doorway to the rink on the west side of the parking ramp. Just walk from the loading zone/doorway across the sidewalk directly into the rink through the doors pictured below.
Q: Speaking of parking ramps, is parking available at the Tommie Ice Plex?
A: Yes, paid parking is available in the Anderson Parking Facility/Ramp (APF). Parking costs are $2.10/hour before 4 p.m. and $1.55/hour after 4 p.m., or by coupon code. Please be aware of "UST Game Day" restrictions that may apply. You can pay at the machine or via mobile phone by texting APFELEV to 25023.
Due to the parking cost, we have scheduled our older skaters (Peewee/12U and up) for much of our UST ice time, as parents often drop off and pick up players at these levels. For convenient drop-offs, please use the loading space in the Anderson Parking Facility. To pick up, please park in a spot near the loading space in the ramp to wait for your player(s).
Coaches will be provided a limited-use code for their parking.
Q: What will the association be using the Tommie Ice Plex for?
A: As the association gets started at this facility, and potentially throughout the season, we are focusing our ice times on practices and skills development. We look forward to being able to schedule some scrimmages after October, though please note that referees for scrimmages played at UST will incur an additional $20 fee.
Q: Will the rink be ready for us on Friday, October 10th?
A: Yes, it will be operational for us, though you should expect construction to continue around the arena as we start using it.
Q: Are locker rooms available for our teams?
A: Yes, we have use of four locker rooms. Locker room assignments will be displayed near the arena entrance, so please check them upon arrival. During the week you can assume that our 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ice times will use locker rooms A and C while our 6:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. ice times will use locker rooms B and D.
Q: Is there a viewing area for spectators?
A: Yes, there are stands on the second level of the Tommie Ice Plex. Spectators can use the stairs or an elevator to access the stands.
Q: Will concessions be available?
A: Yes, there is a concessions stand in the seating area of the the Tommie Ice Plex. However, it will not be open right away as some finishing touches are still pending. We will find out more about its operating hours and offerings as the arena becomes fully operational. The SPCHA will not be operating the UST concession stand.
Q: What should we expect during our first year using the Tommie Ice Plex?
A: As this is the first year of the rink's operation, we are all bound to learn a few things. Please be patient as we will inevitably run into unexpected issues. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this new and exciting partnership.
Q: What on-ice amenities are available for our teams?
A:
Scoreboard: teams will have access to control the scoreboards via a Daktronics All Sport 5000 Series Control Console (pictured below). It will be familiar to us.
Nets: there are 4 nets available to us. If teams do not want to use all 4, the arena staff can help take them off the ice.
Whiteboards: each locker room is equipped with a white board
Clocks: each locker room has a timer so teams will know how much time is left before their ice time. Please note that the "minutes left" clock inside the arena has not yet been installed so coaches will need to pay attention to their watches or set the Daktronics to manage their ice times until they've been installed.
Pucks, cones, barriers, etc.: Coaches should bring their own apparatus. UST has not yet received their coaching apparatus. We will be able to use that equipment once it arrives.
Q: What should we do if we have further questions?
A: Please reach out to our Executive Director, Katie Murphy at executivedirector@stpaulcapitalshockey.com with any further questions.