Introducing The NMH Ice Barn!

NMH’s new, cutting-edge hockey arena will have a classic name rooted in a rich tradition. “We suggested the name 'Ice Barn' because it evokes both the agricultural heritage of NMH and the sense of NMH being a New England school,” said Kate Barber ’74 and Ed Pitoniak ’74, the lead donors on the project. “One of the joys of being at NMH is the experience of the New England seasons, and The NMH Ice Barn will be a way for students and the community to more richly experience the winter season.”

While construction is already underway, an official groundbreaking ceremony is planned for early May. The arena, expected to open in the fall of 2026, will feature a climate-control system, efficient use of natural light, modern locker rooms, and a large mezzanine to accommodate spectators. It will sit on the site of the former NMH orchard, revitalizing that part of campus and helping connect the central campus with the lower athletic fields. 

“This new arena represents an incredible investment in the student experience at NMH,” said Jake Bennett, boys’ hockey head coach. “It’s a game-changer for our programs and a gathering place that will inspire pride, connection, and community for years to come.”

“The new rink means the world to the hockey programs,” added Brianna Wood, girls’ hockey head coach. “It's more than just a building to us — It's a symbol of belief in the hockey programs and everything we are working towards. That kind of support lifts them up in ways that go beyond the ice. We are incredibly thankful for all of the donors whose generosity turned this dream into a reality.”

"We're honored to contribute to The NMH Ice Barn Raising Fund and, by doing so, contribute to replenishing the scholarship-funding capability of the NMH endowment,” Barber and Pitoniak said. “We hope others, especially the NMH hockey community, will join us in supporting The NMH Ice Barn Raising Fund."

The NMH Ice Barn will replace the existing 58-year-old McCollum Arena. McCollum, in turn, will be converted to a multisport field house that will provide more practice space for student athletes as well as a large gathering space for the entire community. Senior Athletics Advisor Rick Hendrickson called the entire project a “game-changer” that will help NMH achieve its vision “to develop the most innovative, inclusive, and successful athletics program in New England.”

Read more about the project.

Architectural renderings by Studio Troika. From top: Exterior of The NMH Ice Barn, interior view, view from the mezzanine.

To learn how to make a gift in support, contact Jake Bennett, head boys’ ice hockey and baseball coach and assistant director of annual giving and athletic engagement, at jbennett@nmhschool.org.