This year, the North American Hockey League celebrates its 50th anniversary by welcoming its newest team to the ice: the Watertown Shamrocks.
The Shamrocks are an expansion team in the central division and have become the second South Dakota team, joining the Aberdeen Wings.
Watertown has made sure to welcome the new team with open arms, having spent the last two years preparing a brand-new facility.
Prairie Lakes Ice Arena began construction in the fall of 2022, and opened to the public this February.
“There was a lot of energy, excitement, and moving parts that went into making this cometogether,” said Josh Maag, recreation superintendent of Watertown Parks and Recreation. “In a sense, the whole community was involved.”
Maag says a “Build it Now, it’s More than Ice” campaign was created for the rink, which was the largest public works project in the history of Watertown.
With the goal of creating a community space that can be used by anyone at any age, JLG Architects senior principal Tom Betti compared it to shrinking down the Xcel Energy Center—home of the Minnesota Wild.
The brand-new arena has two NHL-sized ice rinks, with the main rink sitting three feet lower than the main floor to provide an excellent view of the ice.
The second rink was designed to be a practice rink, with seating for 250 people.
On the second floor is seating, a walking track, and a press box that can be used for broadcasting, filming, or DJ use during open skate.
“Our facilities are at the top of our league, with other teams taking inspiration from Prairie Lakes to shape their remodel or rebuilding projects,” said Ryan Bisgard, president of the Watertown Shamrocks.
SHAMROCK AND ROLL
Upcoming home games at Prairie Lakes include:
NOVEMBER 1 & 2
vs. North Iowa Bulls
NOVEMBER 15
vs. St. Cloud Norsemen
DECEMBER 6 & 7
vs. Bismarck Bobcats
DECEMBER 21
vs. St. Cloud Norsemen
“The game day atmosphere has been amazing.”
-Ryan Bisgard
Ample locker rooms, a large concourse area with televisions, lounge furniture, and vending machines are also available for teams and visitors.
“The team has fallen in love with the new arena,” added Bisgard.
The stands have the capacity to hold 1,500 fans, and Bisgard says they have already been filled to capacity for some early-season games.
Each Shamrock home game has concessions, beer, wine, and merchandise for sale. Events like raffles, figure skating demonstrations, and chuck-a-puck competitions also take place during and after the games.
“The crowds have been very engaging and have shown nothing short of the utmost support,” shared Bisgard.
The Shamrocks season lasts from August to April, and tickets are available online or at the box office on game nights, with doors opening at 6 p.m.
ICE TO MEET YOU
The North American Hockey League Central Division currently has eight teams:
Aberdeen Wings
Austin Bruins
Bismarck Bobcats
North Iowa Bulls
Minnesota Mallards
Minot Minotauros
St. Cloud Norsemen
Watertown Shamrocks
The new arena is not just available for Shamrock games, however.
Watertown Lakers hockey practices, camps and games, figure skating programs, and competitions all call Prairie Lakes home.
“We also offer open skate events, birthday parties, and private ice rentals,” said Maag, noting that a curling league will be starting up soon.
Associations, clubs, and anyone in the community can enjoy indoor ice year-round, or book the facility for meetings and events.
Tournaments, too, have been a hit.
“The response has been great,” said Maag. “Lots of ‘wow’s and excitement going forward.”
“There are so many people, businesses, sponsors, and donors to thank that made this all possible.”
-Josh Maag
HOTLINE BLING
For any more information or to set up a tour of the facility, call Watertown Parks & Recreation at (605) 882-6260.
The recreation superintendent says the rink has been a huge addition to the overall Watertown scene, in multiple ways.
In addition to bringing a significant economic impact to the community, the state-of-the-art rink is now a premier destination for visitors.
“We are pretty blessed, and all users take a lot of pride in this facility,” said Maag.
