Rangers to rally to keep US Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth

EVELETH —As the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame’s board of directors weighs moving the museum from Eveleth to St. Paul, Iron Rangers are coming together to keep it where they say it belongs.

“It’s the heritage of the whole thing," said Daniel Horoshak. "I mean, it’s been there since the ‘70s.”

Horoshak is an organizer of the Rangers United for the Hockey Hall of Fame rally, which is 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the museum.

He said the community should come together Saturday in a show of solidarity.

“There’s like 16 people from Eveleth that are in the Hockey Hall of Fame," he said. "Everyone I talk to, they’re very angry about if they do move. It’s very worrisome.”

Since the news of the museum’s possible move broke about a month ago, Northland legislators from both parties have spoken out in opposition.

Eveleth Mayor Adam Roen, Republican Rep. Cal Warwas, Republican Sen. Robert Farnsworth and DFL Sen. Grant Hauschild are scheduled to speak at the rally, and other state leaders have been invited.

"We stand united — people over politics — during these divided times to keep the Hockey Hall of Fame where it belongs, right here on the Iron Range," a poster for the rally states.

"Join us in sending a clear message that this institution is a key part of our heritage, we can't afford to lose this cultural treasure."

The board is reportedly split on the move. Proponents argue that including the museum in a proposed Xcel Energy Center redevelopment would draw more foot traffic. The museum now only draws about 9,000 visitors a year.

“I think it’s basically kind of more of a money grab than anything else,” Horoshak said.

He said the possible move brings back memories of dark days in Minnesota’s hockey history.

“You’re moving that now? Just out of nowhere?" he said. "It’s kind of like the North Stars getting taken away, you know what I mean?”