Could Eveleth, Minnesota Lose The US Hockey Hall Of Fame?

There is talk again about relocating the United States Hockey Hall of Fame from its home in Northern Minnesota.

Eveleth has been home to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame since it was built in 1973. US Hockey picked Eveleth because of the rich history of hockey on the Iron Range and the number of Hall of Fame players that came from Eveleth. Some people are wondering if it's time to move the Hall of Fame to somewhere it could get more attention.

It's not the first time moving has been discussed.

Back in 2006, the US Hockey Hall of Fame actually shut its doors. It had been struggling financially and it was discussed at that time to move the museum to the Xcel Energy Center or Mall of America to attract more visitors. Ultimately, a shakeup occurred and a new agreement was reached with US Hockey. New board members were elected to govern the museum, and it was reopened in 2007.

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More foot traffic means more money and exposure to US Hockey.

Proponents for moving the museum say it's what's best for the enshrinees. The museum sees only about 9,000 visitors per year. Similar hall of fame museums for other sports attract around 300,000-400,000 per year.

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'A Punch In The Gut To The Region'

Northern News Now interviewed Senator Grant Hauschild and Representative Cal Warwas who are both against the move.

It’s a punch in the gut to the region, so obviously we don’t want to lose anymore of these kinds of fixtures in our area,” Warwas said.

Who's the decision maker?

The Hall of Fame has a 14-person Board of Directors led by chair Karin Housley. Housley says there is no bill yet and they are just in the discussion stage. She has said that she wants everyone, including Eveleth, to be in on the decision.

Read more about this controversy from Northern News Now.