Hockey is more than just a game in Minnesota — it’s a way of life, a tradition passed down through generations, and a cornerstone of our state’s culture. Nowhere is that truer than on the Iron Range, where the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame has proudly stood in Eveleth for over 50 years. This hall isn’t just a museum — it’s a monument to the hardworking communities that built the game and made Minnesota the “State of Hockey.”
But today, that legacy is under threat.
There is a movement afoot, led by Senator Karin Housley, a Republican from the Twin Cities and chair of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Board, to relocate the hall from its rightful home in Eveleth. While I respect Sen. Housley’s passion for hockey, I fundamentally disagree with this misguided effort to strip away a piece of our Iron Range identity.
Let me be clear: I will fight to keep the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame right where it belongs — on the Iron Range.
I have already taken action. I wrote a letter to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Board opposing this move, making it clear that any relocation would be a direct affront to the heritage of the Range. I am also planning to introduce a resolution in the Minnesota Senate opposing the move, ensuring that my colleagues in St. Paul understand the stakes. And I am preparing legislation that would prevent any state capital investment dollars from being used to relocate the Hall of Fame. Minnesota taxpayers should not foot the bill for erasing our history.
It is my hope that my fellow Iron Range Legislators stand with me in this fight. This isn’t about party lines or political ideology — this is about defending our home and preserving our proud history.
We must also recognize the legacy of the late Sen. David Tomassoni, a tireless advocate for the Iron Range and a fierce protector of all things hockey. There is simply no way he would have allowed this to happen. In his memory, we must carry on that fight and ensure that the Hall of Fame remains in Eveleth, where it was founded, where it belongs, and where it will continue to inspire future generations of hockey players and fans.
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame is more than a building, it is a symbol of our past, our perseverance, and our passion for the game. It is a testament to the legends of the ice who came from small towns and outdoor rinks, who made Minnesota proud, and who deserve to have their legacies honored in the heart of the Iron Range.
I will not stand by and allow this historic institution to be taken from us. The fight is on, and I hope every Iron Ranger, every hockey fan, and every Minnesotan who values history and tradition will join me in standing up to keep the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame on the Range.
Sen. Grant Hauschild
Hermantown