Blues Icon Kelly Chase Honored with New Rink in Chesterfield
Source: First Alert 4 Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
In a move that marries hockey history with community spirit, the Chesterfield Hockey Association revealed Wednesday that a new NHL-style practice rink will bear the name of beloved Blues figure Kelly Chase. The 26,500-square-foot addition, dubbed the Kelly Chase Family Rink, will be built at the Maryville University Hockey Center, located on Chesterfield Airport Road in the Chesterfield Valley.
The project is part of a broader vision to expand the existing facility into a three-rink complex, offering more ice time for youth hockey programs and the surrounding community. The announcement, made on Wednesday, underscores the association's commitment to growing the sport at the grassroots level while honoring a man who has given so much to St. Louis hockey.
Kelly Chase, 56, is no stranger to the ice or to the city's heart. He played seven seasons with the St. Louis Blues as an enforcer, known for his grit and willingness to drop the gloves to protect his teammates. After retiring from playing, Chase transitioned to the broadcast booth, where he served as a color commentator for Blues radio broadcasts for 18 years, bringing his signature passion and unfiltered perspective to fans.
But perhaps his most defining battle came off the ice. Chase was diagnosed with leukemia, and his fight against the disease has inspired countless people across the region. Through grueling treatments and setbacks, he maintained a public posture of resilience and optimism, becoming a symbol of determination.
Blues Hall of Famer Barret Jackman, a former teammate and longtime friend, captured the essence of Chase in a statement. "Chaser is the definition of a selfless fighter. He will literally give you the shirt off his back. He is always willing to help others out, cares so much about the St. Louis community and the next generation of hockey players. While battling his own illnesses, he has shown others what it looks like to never give up, keep fighting and stay positive."
Jackman's words reflect the deep respect Chase commands from those who have played alongside him and watched him navigate life's challenges. The naming of the rink is not merely a tribute to a hockey career but a recognition of a man who embodies the values of perseverance, generosity, and community service.
The Kelly Chase Family Rink is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, built to NHL specifications. It will provide a high-quality practice environment not only for youth teams but also for clinics, tournaments, and public skating sessions. The addition aims to relieve pressure on the existing two rinks at the Maryville University Hockey Center, which have seen increasing demand in recent years.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for fall 2026, with construction expected to take approximately 12 to 18 months. The Chesterfield Hockey Association is coordinating fundraising efforts and community partnerships to bring the project to fruition. The rink will join the growing network of hockey facilities in the St. Louis region, which has seen a resurgence in youth participation since the Blues' Stanley Cup victory in 2019.
For Kelly Chase, the honor is deeply personal. While he has not yet made a public statement about the naming, those close to him say he is humbled by the recognition. The rink will serve as a lasting legacy, ensuring that future generations of skaters know the name of a man who fought for his team, his city, and his life.
Article commentary
The decision to name a new practice rink after Kelly Chase is a testament to how hockey communities honor their own, often looking beyond pure statistics to celebrate character, perseverance, and service. Chase's career as an enforcer—a role that rarely garners Hall of Fame recognition—makes this tribute especially meaningful. It signals that the sport values contributions that go beyond goals and assists, embracing the intangibles of leadership, loyalty, and sacrifice. Chase's battle with leukemia adds a profound layer to the story. His public fight resonated deeply in St. Louis, a city that prides itself on resilience. By attaching his name to a facility built for youth development, the Chesterfield Hockey Association is creating a living monument not just to a player, but to a survivor who taught others how to face adversity with grace. This aligns with a broader trend in sports naming rights, where franchises and organizations increasingly choose to honor individuals who have made a difference off the ice as much as on it. From a community perspective, the rink addresses a practical need. The Maryville University Hockey Center has been a hub for youth hockey, but demand for ice time has outstripped supply. The addition of a third rink will reduce scheduling conflicts, lower costs for families, and attract more tournaments to the region. This economic and social ripple effect cannot be overstated; hockey facilities are anchors for local economies, drawing visitors and fostering a sense of belonging. Barret Jackman's quote underscores the genuine affection the hockey community has for Chase. Jackman, a Hall of Famer in his own right, chose words that highlight selflessness and positivity. This kind of peer endorsement is rare and powerful, cutting through the usual platitudes of public relations. It suggests that the naming is not merely a ceremonial gesture but a heartfelt decision driven by the people who know Chase best. Looking ahead, the 2026 groundbreaking date gives the association ample time to raise funds and design a facility that meets modern standards. The project also serves as a catalyst for continued growth in St. Louis hockey, which has enjoyed a renaissance since the Blues' championship. By linking a new generation of players to Chase's legacy, the rink will carry forward a story of grit, generosity, and hope—a story that belongs not just to one man, but to an entire community. Critics might argue that naming a facility after a player who was not a star scorer sets a curious precedent. Yet that view misses the point. Hockey, more than many sports, reveres the warrior spirit. Chase embodied that spirit in every shift, every broadcast, and every day of his illness. In a world where sports heroes are often defined by highlight reels, the Kelly Chase Family Rink reminds us that true heroism is measured by heart, not headlines.