New York is a city that is known for its love of sports. Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in New York, with many people following the local teams and playing the game themselves. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer to the sport, there is something for everyone in New York’s ice hockey scene.
If you are new to the sport, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different teams, leagues, and venues in New York. This guide will provide an overview of the ice hockey scene in New York, including the history of the sport in the city, the local teams, and where to watch games. Whether you are a fan of the New York Rangers, the New York Islanders, or a local amateur team, this guide will help you get the most out of your ice hockey experience in New York.
History of Ice Hockey in New York
New York City is a hub for ice hockey in the United States, with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. This section explores the early years and professional era of ice hockey in New York.
Early Years
The first ice hockey league in the United States was formed in New York City in 1896, called The U.S. Amateur Hockey League. The league was founded around the same time as the second artificial ice rink was opened in New York, New York, called the St. Nicholas Arena. The St. Nicholas Hockey Club was one of the first amateur ice hockey teams in the United States and played their games at the St. Nicholas Arena.
Ice hockey grew in popularity in New York City in the early 1900s, with the formation of the National Hockey Association (NHA) in 1910, which later became the National Hockey League (NHL). The NHA was the strongest hockey association in North America at the time and had teams in both Canada and the United States.
Professional Era
New York City has been home to several professional ice hockey teams, including the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, and New Jersey Devils. The Rangers were founded in 1926 and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL. They have won four Stanley Cup championships in their history.
The Islanders were founded in 1972 and have won four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980-1983. They played their home games at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, before moving to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in 2015.
The Devils were founded in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts and moved to Denver, Colorado, before relocating to New Jersey in 1982. They have won three Stanley Cup championships in their history and have played their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, since 2007.
In addition to these professional teams, New York City has also been home to several amateur ice hockey teams, including the St. Nicks Hockey Club, which was founded in 1920 and played their games at the St. Nicholas Arena. The club was revived in 2018 and now plays in the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League.
Overall, New York City has a rich history of ice hockey, with a strong tradition of both amateur and professional play. The city continues to be a hub for ice hockey in the United States and is home to some of the most iconic teams in the NHL.
Ice Hockey Teams in New York
New York is home to some of the most popular ice hockey teams in the country. Here are three of the most well-known teams:
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in Manhattan, New York City. They were founded in 1926, and they are one of the oldest teams in the NHL. The Rangers are known for their iconic blue, red, and white uniforms, which have remained mostly unchanged since the team’s inception.
The Rangers play their home games at Madison Square Garden, which is located in Midtown Manhattan. The arena can seat up to 18,006 spectators, and it is known for its lively and passionate crowds.
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They were founded in 1972 and have won four Stanley Cup championships. The Islanders are known for their blue, orange, and white uniforms, which feature a silhouette of Long Island on the chest.
Since 2015, the Islanders have played their home games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. However, starting in the 2021-2022 season, they will be moving to the UBS Arena, which is currently under construction in Elmont, New York.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They were founded in 1970 and have yet to win a Stanley Cup championship. The Sabres are known for their blue and gold uniforms, which feature a buffalo head on the chest.
The Sabres play their home games at the KeyBank Center, which can seat up to 19,070 spectators. The arena is located in downtown Buffalo, and it is known for its passionate and dedicated fans.
Ice Hockey Venues in New York
Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is the home of the New York Rangers, one of the two NHL teams in New York. The arena is located in Midtown Manhattan and is easily accessible by public transportation. The Garden has a seating capacity of 18,006 for hockey games and offers a variety of seating options, including luxury suites and club seats. The arena also hosts other sporting events, concerts, and shows throughout the year.
Barclays Center
Barclays Center is the home of the New York Islanders, the other NHL team in New York. The arena is located in Brooklyn and is easily accessible by public transportation. The center has a seating capacity of 15,795 for hockey games and offers a variety of seating options, including luxury suites and club seats. The arena also hosts other sporting events, concerts, and shows throughout the year.
KeyBank Center
While not located in New York City, KeyBank Center is the home of the Buffalo Sabres, an NHL team located in Buffalo, New York. The arena has a seating capacity of 19,070 for hockey games and offers a variety of seating options, including luxury suites and club seats. The arena also hosts other sporting events, concerts, and shows throughout the year.
Whether you’re a fan of the Rangers, Islanders, or Sabres, there are plenty of options for catching a great game of ice hockey in New York. Each arena offers a unique experience, so be sure to check out all of your options before deciding where to go.
How to Watch Ice Hockey in New York
TV and Streaming Options
Ice hockey is a popular sport in New York, and there are several options available to watch games on TV or streaming services. The National Hockey League (NHL) has a partnership with ESPN, which means that many games will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Another option is to subscribe to a cable or satellite TV provider that offers regional sports networks, such as MSG (Madison Square Garden) or YES Network. These networks typically air games for local teams like the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders.
For those who prefer to stream games, there are several options available. In addition to ESPN+, the NHL also has its own streaming service called NHL.tv. Fans can subscribe to NHL.tv to watch out-of-market games live or on-demand.
Ticket Information
If you prefer to watch ice hockey live, there are several options for purchasing tickets. The two main teams in New York are the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. Both teams play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
Ticket prices vary depending on the game and the location of the seats. The cheapest seats are usually in the upper levels, while the most expensive seats are closer to the ice. It’s important to note that popular games, such as playoff games or games against rival teams, may have higher ticket prices.
For those who want a premium experience, both the Rangers and the Islanders offer VIP packages that include perks such as access to private lounges, premium seating, and food and beverage options.
| Seat Location | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Upper Level | $40-$120 |
| Lower Level | $150-$500 |
| Premium Seating | $500-$1,500 |
Conclusion
New York City is home to some of the most exciting and competitive ice hockey teams in the world. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, there’s something for everyone in the city’s vibrant hockey scene.
From the fast-paced action of the NHL to the grassroots programs for young players, New York has it all. And with the city’s passion for hockey only growing stronger, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Whether you’re looking to catch a game at Madison Square Garden, lace up your skates and hit the ice yourself, or just learn more about the sport, New York has something to offer. So why not join the millions of fans who call this city home and experience the thrill of ice hockey in the Big Apple?
