The Adie Knox Herman Arena in Windsor will see the return of University of Windsor hockey on Friday night. Previously, the men’s Lancers team played at the arena before moving to the Windsor Arena and then the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex. However, the Lancers women’s team will now make the nearly 60-year-old complex their permanent home for the first time.
Eric Vandenbrouke, the school’s associate athletic director, noted that the current state of the arena is vastly improved compared to when the Lancers last played there. The city of Windsor allocated $29 million in 2022 for renovating the entire Adie Knox Herman Recreation Complex, including a new gymnasium, change rooms, multipurpose rooms, and tennis and basketball courts.
The facility, which faced the threat of losing its ice rink in 2015, now boasts state-of-the-art dressing rooms for both men’s and women’s teams, featuring personalized stalls for players and a sauna. Kevin Hamlin, the head coach of the men’s hockey team, expressed excitement about the revamped arena, emphasizing how the upgraded facilities could attract talented players to the university. The men’s team, known for its strong performance, finished fourth in the 2026 U Sports Championship.
The women’s team has consistently placed in the middle of their conference in recent seasons, and Hamlin highlighted the modern and professional environment the new venue provides for student-athletes.
With its proximity to the University of Windsor campus, the university anticipates drawing larger crowds to Adie Knox compared to its former location in south Windsor. The renovations have also enhanced the fan experience by introducing new seating arrangements, replacing benches with chairs in the stands.
The men’s team will kick off their season at Adie Knox on October 9 against Lakehead University Thunderwolves, while the women’s team will have their home opener on October 23 against the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. Hamlin emphasized the significance of returning to the true home of Lancer hockey at Adie Knox, expressing enthusiasm shared by alumni for revitalizing the arena.