Why is there one ice surface(Alaska) in the ECHL bigger than all the other ice surfaces?

From: Kenny

Comments: Dont want to sound like i am complaining but i am a little.. Why is there one ice surface(Alaska) in the ECHL bigger than all the other ice surfaces? Theres not bigger football fields in the NFL or any other football league. Seems like the team would have a BIG home ice advantage then the other teams and they do year to year. Seems if the ECHL wanted to get more respect as a pro league they would have all teams playing on same size ice.. Come on man!!!!

Reply: It IS a big home ice advantage. But that only matters when you’re at home.

Incidentally, ice size is a lot more standard these days than it was in years past. Rinks throughout the ECHL probably still vary by a couple feet here or there, especially the older ones. Part of the beauty of the game is that it isn’t an exact science. The Olympics play on a sheet the same size as they do in Anchorage. As do most teams in Europe. There are several Olympic-sized ice sheets in NCAA D-I hockey. Hockey East is one of the most respected conferences in the college game, and U. New Hampshire plays on an Olympic sized sheet. For years, the Boston Bruins played at the old Garden, and everyone knew their rink was SMALLER than regulation.

But hockey isn’t the only example. Baseball has been legendary for its unique ballparks. The distance from home plate to first base may be the same in all parks, but there is no question that baseball teams are built to give them the advantage as it pertains to their home ballpark and it’s quirks. Houston has a big mound out in center field. In Colorado the ball flies farther – is that a home field advantage? Ever watch a ball get lost in the Ivy at Wrigley? How about Fenway Park with the Green Monster? Dodger Stadium used to have the biggest foul territory in baseball, and pitchers loved it because it gave them an advantage.

-The Mailbag Guy