At first, I was skeptical of the news that the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth was considering a move to St. Paul. The idea allegedly stemmed from a proposed renovation of the Xcel Energy Center where the Minnesota Wild plays.
Lately, an cycle of Iron Range outrage seems to kick up when it comes to anything involving the Twin Cities. Division — political, cultural and otherwise — profits those who wish to gain attention and reaction. I’ve seen it. I’ve participated in the past. It’s a safe bet that someone else will do it again. I thought this was just more stoking of the state’s rural/urban divide, a potent tool for politicians and interest groups alike.
But two things surprised me from recent headlines about the hockey hall. First, the idea is real, though still in very early stages. Second, this region’s justifiable outrage might be harnessed to do something better than preserve the status quo. In fact, the status quo is the real problem. The Range might actually come out ahead, if we skate to win.
Read more in my Wednesday, March 19, 2025 column for the Minnesota Star Tribune.