Islanders Fan Visits All 33 NHL Arenas in North America

Will Chiarucci, a dedicated New York Islanders supporter, has made it his personal mission to visit every NHL venue across the United States and Canada. His journey began nearly a decade ago after ending a relationship with someone uninterested in sports, inspiring him to explore hockey arenas nationwide and share his experiences.

Over the past seven years, with encouragement from fellow fan Tom LoFaso, Chiarucci ranked each arena he visited. He ranks the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa as his least favorite, criticizing its remote location, lack of walkability, and outdated feel reminiscent of the 1990s. Other venues he rated poorly include Buffalo’s KeyBank Center, Carolina’s PNC Arena, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena, Washington’s Capital One Arena, and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, which he dubbed “the MSG of Canada.”

Chiarucci considers Madison Square Garden as just average, citing high prices and cramped seating. His top-ranked arena is the UBS Arena on Long Island, recognized for its modern design and fan-friendly atmosphere. Second to fourth places go to Edmonton’s Rogers Place, Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, and Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena, all newly built with contemporary amenities.

He also recommends checking out the Calgary Flames at The Saddledome, the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre, and notes the Nationwide Arena in Columbus as a lesser-known gem. Chiarucci’s global tour of hockey venues is an ongoing passion, combining his love for the game with exploring North America’s diverse stadiums.