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The top-revenue generator charitable gaming organization based in Chisago County,  is seeking $5 million in state aid through a bill authored by Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch).  The request in Senate File 312 was introduced January 21.

Sen. Koran told the Press the $5 million is the 50-50 match for the $10 million the association estimates is needed for the arena.

The group behind the arena — North Branch Hockey Association (NBHA)— reported to the state Gambling Control Board that its 2023 gross charitable gambling proceeds were approximately $13,809,000 and prizes paid amounted to $12,131,144 leaving the hockey organization with $1.6 million in proceeds for that year.  Their task is to figure out if the state aid will feasibly position the project financially for this level of debt service.   Sen. Koran said the process of securing a “placeholder” on the senate’s always growing list of capital requests,  is an important first step.  

The NBHA was formed to support multiple youth hockey programs in a region lacking a central hockey facility.  

The NBHA program utilizes sheets of ice in Isanti, Blaine, Andover, Princeton and uses the Chisago Lakes Arena in Lindstrom.  Fees to rent ice are covered by the organization. Participants may apply for scholarships (financial aid) on a case-by-case basis and some specific equipment costs are detailed in accounting information,  as approved for payment by the organization Board.

Ground was broken for an arena 15 years ago in a lot in the Stacy City industrial park.  The most recent update provided for the project by the association is  that siding on the ‘first phase’ of the structure shell has been completed.

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