College hockey games bring out some of the best student sections in all of college sports. From energizing the home team with raucous cheers and undying support, to distracting the opposing team with their chants and sheer presence, student sections play a crucial role in creating a unique playing environment at each arena. The action in the stands has to live up to the action on the ice, and some student sections wasted no time in perfecting the craft. Here, we break down the 12 best NCAA DI hockey student sections and some of their signature “moves.” These student sections are the best in size, volume, school spirit, and tradition/other unique attributes.
12. Clarkson University – The Bonesaw Brigade
Clarkson University's “Bonesaw Brigade” starts off setting a high standard. Positioned directly behind the opposing team's first and third period goal, the Bonesaw Brigade has no trouble making their presence known while boasting their handmade “bonesaw” at every game.
Image source: Twitter
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11. Cornell – Lynah Faithful
The Lynah Faithful of Cornell hockey play a crucial role in energizing the Big Red when they take to the ice. Known for reading newspapers while the opposing squad is announced, the caliber of the opposing team could not mean less to the Lynah Faithful.
Image source: Sports Illustrated, Kids
10. Northern Michigan – The Puckheads
The Puckheads of NMU may be one of the most recently recognizable college hockey student sections, but don't let their lack of experience fool you. The Puckheads work with NMU players to create specific chants to fire up the team, and subsequently drown out the enemy. These chants change every game depending on the opponent being played, making each experience at NMU a unique one.
Image source: USCHO
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9. Minnesota Duluth – The Penalty Box
The fans of UMD Bulldog hockey electrify every game and play their part in helping the top 10 ranked bulldogs continue to climb regardless of the opponent. UMD students show as much commitment to the sport as players do, having to line up to secure season tickets the night before release in many past years.
Image source: NCHC
8. Michigan Tech – Mitch's Misfits
The Misfits of Michigan Tech hockey take full advantage of their position directly behind the opposing team's penalty box. Combining this with their constant effort to unite the entire stadium with their chants, the misfits make themselves one of the hardest student sections to endure as an opposing player.
Image source: Michigan Tech
7. Bowling Green – Bleacher Creatures
Bowling Green's Bleacher Creatures came about in conjunction with their first appearance in the Frozen Four back in 1978. Ever since then, they rock the arena at each home game while also being credited with organizing theme nights at select home games.
Image source: Chat Sports
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6. Western Michigan – Lawson's Lunatics
While Lawson arena may be one of the smallest arenas in college hockey, the Lunatics make up for what they lack in size with strength. Once again positioned directly behind the opposing team's penalty box, the Lunatics are considered to be one of the loudest student sections in all of college hockey. While an official decibel level has not been reported, this title is widely accepted within the hockey community.
Image source: NCAA
5. Minnesota State – The Herd
The only thing you need to know about The Herd of Minnesota State hockey is their mantra: “Losing your voice means it was a good game!” This alone tells you everything you need to know about The Herd's passion for their mavericks.
Image source: Minnesota State University
4. Northeastern – The Dog House
While Matthews Arena may be over 100 years old, The Dog House brings new energy to every home game. Following the trend of being situated directly behind the opposing team's net, these fans have no trouble adapting to the sub-par acoustics of their old barn.
Image source: NCAA
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3. Michigan – The Children of Yost
Michigan's Children of Yost are an absolute force to be reckoned with for any opposing team that enters Yost Arena. With an assortment of posters and chants tailored to each opponent they play, the Children of Yost play a crucial part in every win for the Wolverines.
Image source: Win Big Sports
2. Minnesota – The Ice Box
The Ice Box at the Minnesota Golden Gophers hockey games never fails to be the loudest section in an arena that holds roughly 10,000 fans on a nightly basis. Minnesota students show no mercy when banging on the glass, or to any opponent that enters their house.
Image source: The Daily Gopher
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1. Penn State – The Roar Zone
Topping off this list is The Roar Zone of Penn State hockey. This sea of white and blue is enough to make any opponent shake in their skates. Known for their section-wide, organized dances, The Roar Zone certainly presents a strong case for the best student section in college hockey.
Image source: Black Shoe Diaries
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* Originally published on March 17, 2022, by Tyler Traskos
