Blazers Ice Centre: Why This OKC Legend Still Matters

Blazers Ice Centre: Why This OKC Legend Still Matters

If you’ve lived in Oklahoma City for more than a minute, you know the name. The Blazers Ice Centre. It’s tucked away right off I-35 and I-240, that familiar white building that’s been the heartbeat of local hockey for decades. Honestly, walking inside is like a time machine. You get hit with that sharp, metallic scent of cold ice and the sound of pucks thudding against the boards.

It’s iconic.

But there’s a lot of confusion lately. People search for the "OKC Blazers ice rink" and end up wondering if the team still exists, where they play, or if the building is even called the same thing.

Let's clear the air. The "Blazers" aren't a single thing anymore. The original pro team is gone, but the rink? It's busier than ever. It's the home of the Oklahoma Warriors, the OU Sooners hockey team, and a massive youth program that still carries the Blazers name.

The Blazers Ice Centre: More Than a Pro History

Most people remember the "big" Blazers—the Central Hockey League (CHL) team that used to pack the Myriad (now Prairie Surf Studios) and later the Paycom Center. They were huge. We're talking 10,000+ fans for minor league hockey.

When the pro team folded in 2009, the Blazers Ice Centre at 8000 S. I-35 Service Rd became the guardian of that legacy.

It’s a 50,000-square-foot facility.
Single NHL-sized sheet.
Six locker rooms.
One really cold snack bar.

If you’re looking for the fancy, glitzy experience of an NBA arena, this isn't it. This is a "hockey barn." It’s where the real work happens. The bleachers seat about 750 people, and let me tell you, when the Sooners are playing Oklahoma State or the Warriors are in a playoff hunt, that place gets loud.

And cold. Bring a jacket. Even in July.

Who Actually Plays There Now?

The landscape has shifted a lot in the last few years. If you're looking for the "OKC Blazers" today, you're likely looking for the youth association. The Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association (OKCYHA) still uses the Blazers branding for their travel teams.

But the main attraction for high-level hockey at the rink right now is the Oklahoma Warriors. They moved here from Wichita Falls a couple of seasons ago and brought a championship pedigree with them—they actually won the Robertson Cup (the NAHL championship) in 2023.

Current Residents of the Rink:

  • The Oklahoma Warriors (NAHL): High-level junior hockey for 17-21 year olds. These guys are basically auditioning for Division I college scholarships.
  • OU Men’s Hockey: The University of Oklahoma Sooners play their home games here. It’s ACHA (club) hockey, but don't let the "club" label fool you. The Bedlam games against OSU are intense.
  • OKC Youth Hockey: From "Learn to Play" to competitive travel Blazers teams (8U through Varsity).
  • Oklahoma City Figure Skating Club: It’s not just for the boys with sticks; the figure skating community here is massive.

What People Get Wrong About the "Other" Rink

Here is where it gets confusing. Oklahoma City actually has two main rinks. You’ve got the Blazers Ice Centre in South OKC, and then you’ve got Arctic Edge up in Edmond.

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A few years back, the "Junior Blazers" (a Tier III team) moved their primary operations to Arctic Edge. Later, they rebranded as the Ice Hawks before that franchise eventually moved away.

So, if you’re heading to a game, check your GPS. If it says South I-35, you’re going to the original Blazers Ice Centre. If it says Edmond, you’re heading to Arctic Edge. They are about 25 minutes apart, and showing up to the wrong one is a classic OKC hockey parent mistake. Trust me.

The Reality of the Facility

Look, I’m going to be honest with you. The Blazers Ice Centre is legendary, but it shows its age.

The parking lot is... a challenge. If there’s a youth tournament and a Warriors game at the same time, you’re going to be parking on the grass or down the service road. The restrooms and locker rooms have seen better days.

But the ice? The ice is usually great.

The facility underwent some major repairs recently, including a brand-new roof after one of our classic Oklahoma wind storms tried to peel the old one off like a sardine can. They also use the LiveBarn system now, so if you can't make it to the rink, you can stream the games or practices from your phone.

Public Skating and Learning to Glide

If you aren't a hockey player, you probably just want to know when you can go around in circles for an hour.

Public skate sessions usually happen daily, but the times are wonky because of the heavy hockey schedule. You have to check their "Facility Schedule" on the website. Don't just show up at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday and expect to get on the ice; there’s a 90% chance a bunch of 10-year-olds are doing power skating drills then.

Pricing (Roughly):

  • Admission: Usually around $10-$15.
  • Skate Rental: Typically included or a small extra fee.
  • Group Rates: Available for parties, but you need to book those way in advance.

They also run a Learn to Skate USA program. It’s the gold standard for beginners. Whether you’re 4 or 40, they’ll teach you how to fall down and get back up without breaking your pride.

Why It Still Matters in 2026

In a city that is obsessed with the Thunder and growing its "big city" image, places like the Blazers Ice Centre are important. It’s one of the few places where the grit of the old OKC still exists. It’s where kids learn that if you work hard on the ice at 6:00 AM, it pays off.

It’s the hub of a community.

When you go to a Warriors game, you’re seeing the next generation of pro players. When you watch the Sooners, you’re seeing the passion of a sport that doesn't get a ton of "Southern" love but thrives here anyway.


Actionable Tips for Your Visit

  1. Check the Schedule: Always visit blazersicecentre.com before leaving. The schedule changes daily based on tournament needs and team practices.
  2. Dress in Layers: The bleachers are heated with radiant heaters, but they only do so much. The air is still biting.
  3. Arrival Time: For public sessions, get there 15 minutes early. The line for rentals can get long, especially on weekends.
  4. The Pro Shop: If you need skates sharpened, "The Edge" pro shop inside is generally considered the best in the metro area.
  5. Watch a Game: If you've never seen the Oklahoma Warriors or OU Hockey, go. Tickets are cheap (usually $10-$20), and the atmosphere is much more intimate and "scrappy" than the big arena downtown.

The Blazers Ice Centre isn't just a rink; it's a survivor. Despite teams coming and going, name changes, and Oklahoma weather, the ice stays frozen. Go see it for yourself.