A Career Forged on Ice
After nearly three decades at the helm of the Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota, Pete Carlson announced his retirement, ending an era that helped define the region’s hockey landscape. The facility, which houses eight full sheets of ice, is the largest hockey complex in the country, and Carlson’s stewardship made it a cornerstone of the sport for the local community.
Carlson’s path in hockey began in 1988 when he served as an assistant coach at the high school level. He later became the first manager of the Eagles Nest Ice Rink in Verona, Wisconsin, before being hired to run the Super Rink in 1997, a position that would become the centerpiece of his career.
A native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Carlson grew up skating on outdoor rinks, later starring at Eau Claire North High School and competing in junior college hockey at Brainerd Junior College. Those early experiences gave him an intimate understanding of the game’s grassroots and the challenges of managing multiple ice surfaces.
During his tenure, Carlson oversaw a $30 million renovation that modernized the Super Rink’s infrastructure and ensured its continued relevance in a rapidly evolving sport. His day‑to‑day operations kept the massive facility running efficiently, fostering relationships with coaches, players and community leaders alike.
One of the most memorable moments of his career was meeting Herb Brooks, a legendary figure in American hockey, at the Super Rink. The encounter reinforced Carlson’s philosophy of blending tradition with innovation, a principle that has guided his decisions for nearly three decades.
Although stepping away from the Super Rink, Carlson will continue shaping the sport as the Executive Director of Heartland Hockey Camp in Deerwood, Minnesota. He has spent seven summers at the camp and now plans to mentor the next generation of players and administrators from that platform.