Hockey players in Northfield have long faced a glaring contradiction: The area’s high school teams have standout players, but the city’s rink is about a half-century old, beset with ventilation issues and outfitted with cramped locker rooms.

But better digs for hockey players are on the way. A $25 million ice arena is set to replace the aging rink in August 2026.

“We’re excited,” said Chris Kennelly, Northfield Hockey Association’s arena committee chair. “I’ve just been really amazed by the outpouring of support.”

For more on Northfield's plan for a new hockey rink, click here to read this story on startribune.com.