If you’ve ever driven down Academy Road on a Tuesday in February, you know the vibe. It’s quiet. There is that distinct, crisp upstate smell in the air—the kind that promises snow but usually just delivers a biting wind. But tucked inside the Michael B. Picotte Field House is something else entirely. It's the sound of blades cutting through fresh ice and the specific, echoing thwack of a puck hitting the boards at 60 miles per hour. This is the Albany Academy ice rink, or as the locals and alumni call it, the Robison Hockey Rink.
Honestly, it’s one of those places that feels frozen in time, despite the modern renovations. It isn’t a massive, soul-less pro arena. It’s intimate. It’s cold—really cold—the way a hockey rink should be. Whether you are a parent of a "Big Red" athlete or just someone looking for where the local figure skating club practices, this barn is the heart of the winter season in the Capital Region.
The Story Behind the Michael B. Picotte Field House
You can't talk about the rink without talking about the building itself. The Field House actually dates back to the mid-60s. Construction kicked off in 1964, and by January 1965, they were already hosting the first hockey games. Think about that for a second. That’s sixty years of history. Thousands of kids have learned to skate here.
In 2016, the place got a major name change. It was rededicated as the Michael B. Picotte Field House after a lead gift from Michael and Margi Picotte. Michael was Class of ’65, so he was there when the first bricks were being laid. It’s that kind of place. People who went there fifty years ago still care enough to make sure the next generation has a decent place to play. Inside this complex, you’ve got the Albany Academy ice rink, but also a gymnasium, a wrestling room, and those classic locker rooms that smell like sweat and victory.
Not Just for the High School Stars
While the varsity hockey team is the big draw, the rink isn't some exclusive club. The Albany Figure Skating Club calls this place home too. You’ll see toddlers who can barely walk being led onto the ice for the Lower School P.E. curriculum. Watching a five-year-old in a helmet try to navigate the Robison Rink is basically a rite of passage if you grow up at the Academies.
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What to Expect When You Visit the Albany Academy Ice Rink
Let’s get real about the logistics. If you’re coming from out of town for a tournament, like the Rink Rat Hockey Tournament in nearby Troy or a local duel, navigation can be a bit of a "thing."
The official address is 135 Academy Road, Albany, NY 12208. If you’re coming from the Northway (I-87), you’re going to take it all the way to the end where it hits Route 20. A left on Western Ave, a right on Manning, and eventually, a left on Hackett Blvd will get you there. Just look for the sharp left into the parking lot right before the traffic light.
Pro tip: Wear layers. I’m not joking. Some rinks have that fancy climate control where you can sit in a hoodie and feel fine. This isn't really one of them. It’s an NHL-sized sheet of ice, and the building holds that cold. If you’re sitting in the bleachers for a three-period game, you want the heavy coat and maybe a thermos of coffee from the Mobil station down the road.
- Rink Name: Robison Hockey Rink (inside Picotte Field House)
- Dimensions: Standard NHL Size
- Primary Users: Albany Academy Big Red, Albany Academy for Girls, Albany Figure Skating Club
- Phone: 518-465-1461
Why This Rink is Different from the Albany County Facility
A lot of people get confused between the Albany Academy ice rink and the Albany County Hockey Facility over by the airport on Hockey Lane. They are very different beasts.
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The County rink is huge, has the Center Ice Café, and a massive pro shop. It’s where Siena College plays. The Academy rink, on the other hand, is a school rink. It’s more personal. It’s part of a campus. When you’re at the Academy rink, you feel the school spirit. You see the banners. You see the history of the "Big Red" hockey program, which has produced some seriously high-level talent over the years, including guys like Mark Spiers who went on to play Division I.
Misconceptions About Public Access
One thing people often get wrong is assuming there is 24/7 public skating here. Because it’s a private school facility, the schedule is tightly packed. Between the Academy for Girls, the boys' teams, and the figure skating club, ice time is at a premium.
If you’re looking for a casual "let’s go skate for an hour on a Sunday" session, you’re usually better off checking the Albany County Hockey Facility’s public skate schedule. However, for organized clubs and team rentals, the Academy rink is often available if you book way in advance. It’s a favorite for local leagues because the ice quality is consistently high. They take care of it.
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re headed there this season, here is the move:
First, check the school’s athletic calendar online. There is nothing worse than showing up and realizing the game was moved or it’s a closed practice. Second, if you have a kid playing, get there early. The parking lot near the Field House can fill up fast during rivalry games.
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Also, don't forget that you're right in the middle of a great neighborhood. If you need a post-game meal, you're only about 1.5 miles from Delmar or a quick hop over to Delaware Avenue in Albany. There are plenty of "team-friendly" spots nearby to grab a burger and warm up your toes.
The Albany Academy ice rink represents a specific kind of Northeast tradition. It’s about those 6:00 AM practices when the sun isn't even up and the car heater hasn't kicked in yet. It’s about the community that forms in the stands. It’s not flashy, but it’s ours.
To make the most of your time at the rink, ensure you have sharpened your skates beforehand at a local shop like "Store N More" since the on-site amenities are primarily geared toward the athletes. Always call the main office at 518-465-1461 to confirm spectator policies, especially for non-school events, as campus security protocols can change. If you are looking for ice rentals for a private group, reach out to the athletics department at least three months before the winter season begins.