When my family and I first arrived at Minot Air Force Base in 2023, there were a lot of things I expected: long winters and quiet surroundings. But one thing I didn’t anticipate was falling in love with the local hockey team. My family became passionate hockey fans in 2017 when the Vegas Golden Knights (VGK) came to Las Vegas, Nevada, where we were stationed from 2016 until 2023. Vegas had never had a national team before, and the arrival of the Golden Knights was a big deal for all the locals to include me.
As we settled into life in Minot, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a smaller town, especially when it came to our love for the sport. The VGKs games were a spectacle in themselves, and the deep love for the team was palpable—especially given what the franchise symbolized for the city. After the tragedy of the Route 91 shooting in 2017, the Knights became more than just a team; they were a source of unity and healing for a community that had endured so much. It made me wonder if I’d ever find a team that could match that level of connection and passion. Everyone kept saying how much fun the Minotauros games were and how much the team contributed to the community. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from a smaller, junior league team, but I figured we had to give it a try. Our first game at Maysa Arena was against the Austin Bruins, and from the very first drop of the puck, we were completely hooked.
I was taken away by the sheer intensity of the Minotauros game—it grabbed me from the first whistle and didn’t let go. The crowd was wild, each play a rush of energy that turned into an adrenaline-fueled experience, making me feel like I was part of something bigger, something unforgettable. It didn’t take long for us to realize that this wasn’t just a hockey game; it was an event that brought people together, united by their love of the sport. The Minotauros may not be an NHL team, but they had all the heart and determination of one.
What surprised me the most about the game was just how affordable the experience was. Coming from Vegas, where ticket prices could average anywhere from $150 to $400, I was amazed at how budget-friendly Minotauros games were, making it possible to enjoy a whole family outing with my husband, Technical Sergeant Brian Zarrella, and our two daughters, Isabella, who is 4 years old, and Camila, who is 1. Tickets for a family outing to a game at Maysa Arena were incredibly affordable, averaging $9 per ticket, especially with the added entertainment of Tank, the Minotauros mascot, promotional door gifts at select games, and so much more. Whether you’re a solo fan, a couple, or a family of four, the cost of admission is reasonable enough that anyone can enjoy a night out at the rink without breaking the bank.
But, it’s not just the tickets that are budget friendly. The food and drink options at Maysa Arena are also incredibly reasonable. I was used to paying high prices for concessions at major league venues typically about $40 for a soda and nachos, but here, the prices were much more reasonable: $3 for a soda, $5 for a hot dog and candy as low as $1 which are more in line with what you’d expect from a community-centered event. For families, this is a huge plus. You don’t have to worry about spending a small fortune just to enjoy a few snacks and drinks during the game. The Minotauros understand that part of what makes the experience special is keeping it accessible to everyone.
For us, attending Minotauros games has become a cherished tradition. My daughters love and enjoy the game, and every time we go, their excitement is contagious. Whether it’s cheering on the team, enjoying the camaraderie of the crowd, or just appreciating the thrill of the game, each visit to Maysa Arena reminds us why we love hockey and why we’ve come to embrace the Minotauros as our team. The Minotauros have become an integral part of our Minot experience, and we couldn’t be happier to support them.
