Courtesy: Princeton Athletic CommunicationsSome seven decades ago, in December 1921, it was announced that Princeton would build a hockey rink and name it after its greatest athletic hero, Hobart A.H. Baker '14. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to hockey excellence, Baker Rink has undergone major renovations. Based upon a multistage project initiated by the Princeton University Hockey Association in the mid-1970s, the rink has been transformed into a modern facility retaining much of its original architectural charm.
The enthusiasm that came along with Princeton's surge to prominence has been evident in the last two years with the raising of four new banners, an ECAC quarterfinal series and win No. 400 for the Tigers at home. The Tigers defeated Merrimack 4-1 for the milestone victory, and they pulled out a dramatic victory over Cornell in the ECAC postseason to advance to Lake Placid for the fourth time in the last five years. The excitement and noise generated in the building during that series was second to none. Before this season opens, Princeton will raise its 1998 Ivy League championship, which will stand nicely next to a trio of banners raised the year before. Those recognized the 1941 and 1953 championship teams and the 1997-98 ECAC championship.
In recent years a giant, orange 'P' has been painted at center ice, and an etching of the rink itself is painted outside the blue line. A new refrigeration system was installed, making it easier for the rink to remain open year round. State-of-the-art tempered glass was installed, which is difficult to mark and allows spectators a clearer view of the action. High-quality fiberglass boards with an eye-catching Princeton orange dasher and a powder-blue base were set into place. New fans were installed to allow for better air circulation and limit condensation. A new weight room utilized by the men's and women's hockey teams is located adjacent to the newly carpeted men's varsity locker room. Improvements also were made in the press box, bench and scorer's areas.
Prior to the recent construction, nearly $3 million had been spent on improvements that were completed in 1981. First, the ice-making machinery was improved. A locker-room wing was then added, including four spacious locker rooms with adjoining showers, an athletic training room, a changing room for coaches and officials, a skate-sharpening room and humidity-controlled rooms for the storage of sticks and other equipment.
In 1984 new lighting and public address systems were installed along with a new scoreboard and press box. Spectator comfort improved dramatically with the addition of new seats and circulation galleries, which permit easier access to seating areas.
These improvements, made possible by the generosity of several donations by alumni and friends, have made Baker Rink one of the finest skating facilities anywhere.
