For the first time in 66 years, Golden Bears and Pandas Hockey won't call Clare Drake Arena home, as the two programs will temporarily move to Silent Ice Center in Nisku for the 2026/27 Canada West season.

A world-class venue just south of Edmonton, Silent Ice Center features two NHL-sized ice surfaces, with the primary rink holding 1,800 spectators, and includes loge seats, sky boxes, and four private suites. The Golden Bears & Pandas will also use Silent Ice Center as their practice facility next season.

Formerly Varsity Arena, Clare Drake Arena has been home to the Golden Bears since November 1960 and the Pandas since their inception in 1997 — and will be undergoing maintenance beginning next spring.

"With change comes opportunity, and we are thrilled to bring Golden Bears and Pandas Hockey to a world-class facility like the Silent Ice Center," said Leah Pezer, Director of Athletics at the University of Alberta. "This state-of-the-art venue not only provides our student-athletes with an outstanding environment to train and compete, but it also allows us to further connect with and engage the hockey community in South Edmonton and beyond. We're excited to share the energy, tradition, and excellence of U of A Hockey with a new audience next season, while providing our current fans a top-notch entertainment venue."

In its short history, Silent Ice Center has already played host to major sporting events, including a pair of Grand Slam of Curling Tour stops, as well as being the home of HC Edmonton of the Junior Prospects Hockey League. Along with its stunning primary rink, Silent Ice Center is also home to Summit Restaurant, providing fans of Golden Bears and Pandas Hockey an immersive viewing experience next season. 

"We're proud to welcome the Golden Bears and Pandas to Silent Ice Center for the upcoming season," said Werner Prelle, Vice President of Operations. "Partnering with two of the most successful university hockey programs in the country aligns perfectly with our vision of providing elite-level facilities and fan experiences."

Both the Golden Bears and Pandas will continue to play the entirety of the 2025/26 season at Clare Drake Arena, including the remainder of Canada West conference play and the 2026 post-season. 

"We know how passionate Edmonton is about hockey and winning," said Pezer. "With a combined 71 conference titles and 24 national championships, we can't wait for our current and future fans to see the two winningest hockey teams in Canadian University Sport history make Silent Ice our home next year!"