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5 neutral sites the NHL could play at if the 2019-20 season resumes

By Mary Clarke

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: The ice and spectator seating is empty prior to the Detroit Red Wings playing against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Yesterday, the NBA suspended their season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHL said per a release, that the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs were advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: The ice and spectator seating is empty prior to the Detroit Red Wings playing against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. Yesterday, the NBA suspended their season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The NHL said per a release, that the uncertainty regarding next steps regarding the coronavirus, Clubs were advised not to conduct morning skates, practices or team meetings today. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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ANCHORAGE, AK – MARCH 05: A general view of downtown Anchorage, Alaska along the Knik Arm during the Fur Rendezvous on March 5, 2020. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
ANCHORAGE, AK – MARCH 05: A general view of downtown Anchorage, Alaska along the Knik Arm during the Fur Rendezvous on March 5, 2020. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Anchorage, Alaska

If the NHL wanted to really go off the board for a neutral site location, Alaska may just be the perfect place to do it. Alaska, currently, has the fewest coronavirus cases in the United States and is as remote of a location as can possibly be in these times.

The Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, Alaska is a smaller venue than ones previously described, but a 6,290 seat capacity for hockey would not be needed for a neutral site event such as this. However, the rink does use international ice dimensions (which you would see at the Olympics) instead of NHL-standard dimensions for their ice, so the league may not want to use that for a Stanley Cup playoff scenario.

Playing in Alaska also offers the NHL the peace of mind that a summer restart to the season would not be as taxing on ice conditions considering the state’s climate. Unlike the MLB looking at attempting to restart their season in Arizona — one of the hottest places in the United States — the NHL should be looking to play in conditions that are more favorable to their sport, especially if they are playing through the summer.

It’s not a plan without hiccups, but Alaska is likely as remote of a place as you will find for the NHL to put on a neutral site playoff experience later this summer.

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