If your pup loves slapshots and crosschecks, now is the time to break out his favorite jersey and head to the rink. Several minor league hockey teams across the country will open their arenas to furry fans between now and April. Here are eight games to attend this winter with your four-legged Wayne Gretzky.
Pucks and Paws: Dog-Friendly Minor League Hockey Games
Posted by Scott Tunstall
Pucks 'n Paws with the Texas Stars
Purchase a Pooch Pass to Pucks 'n Paws with the Texas Stars on March 2, 2025, when the Texas Stars and Chicago Wolves drop the puck. Fido can catch the action from the designated pet seating area presented by Raising Canes. Pucks & Paws Night tickets start at $19 and a pet waiver must be signed to gain entrance.
The Hyatt Place Austin Cedar Park provides a nearby home away from home and is only a two-minute drive away from the H-E-B Center.
Pucks & Paws With The Cleveland Monsters
The “ice dog” cometh for Pucks & Paws on Saturday, March 8, 2025, when the Cleveland Monsters face the Hershey Bears. Three local shelters will be on the concourse with adoptable dogs, including the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Pick up a doggy swag bag filled with goodies from your dog's favorite local vendors from the Monsters Crew on the concourse! Tickets are available starting at $20 per person and $7 per dog.
The nearby Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown, an IHG Hotel will welcome your furry fanatic with a smile and has a green space for pet relief across the street.
Knoxville Ice Bears - Wiener Dog Races
Fido can enjoy some hockey and place his bets at the Wiener Dog Races on Saturday, February 1, when the Knoxville Ice Bears battle the Peoria Rivermen. There will be one race in each of the first two intermissions, and all canine sprinters will receive stylish bandanas before the competition. Local pet vendors will also be at the auditorium selling pet-related merchandise.
Once you and your winning wiener finish signing autographs after the game, take a short drive to the Hilton Knoxville for a relaxing stay in the heart of downtown.
Sendik’s Dog Days with the Milwaukee Admirals
Furry spectators will invade the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena for Sendik's Dog Days on Saturday, March 15, for a game between the Milwaukee Admirals and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Before the game, grab a special “puptail” drink and swag presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. You’ll need to have your pup’s vaccination records handy. Admission starts at $20 per person and $5 per dog, and a portion of the proceeds benefit The Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County.
The pet-friendly Hilton Milwaukee is nearby and has a grassy area just for dogs.
Cincinnati Cyclones Pucks N Pups Night
Your pooch will feel like a queen in “The Queen City” during Pucks N Pups Night on Saturday, March 22. Leashed dogs can boo and cheer from the designated pet-friendly seating section when the hometown Cincinnati Cyclones face off against the visiting Kalamazoo Wings. Stick around for the intermissions between periods to watch dashing Dachshunds compete for the fastest Fido on ice in the Wiener Dog Races. You can also chow down on $2 hot dogs throughout the evening. The Pucks N Pups ticket package costs $21 to $33. All owners must bring a signed pet waiver to gain entrance to the game.
The pup can drop off to sleep at Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps, which offers luxury pet-friendly accommodations within walking distance of the hockey stadium.
Pucks 'N Paws with the Allen Americans
Dogs can have double the fun at Pucks & Paws and the first-ever Bluey Night on March 16, 2025, when the Allen Americans host the Utah Grizzlies. Water bowls, waste bags will be provided and there will be a space for bathroom breaks outside the South Entrance of the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Keep your eyes peeled for Biscuit, the team’s adorable canine mascot. Pups must remain leashed at all times (no retractable leashes allowed) and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Ticket prices start at $22.
Keep the "pawty" going at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Allen at Allen Event Center. The pet-friendly hotel offers comfortable lodging two blocks from the game.
Toledo Walleye - Paws & Pucks
Furry puck heads are welcome to watch the Toledo Walleye host the Iowa Heartlanders at Paws & Pucks on Sunday, January 26. Rows H and higher in sections 109-113 are reserved for leashed pups, and water stations and designated pet relief areas will be positioned nearby. Visiting pooches receive a doggy door prize upon arrival. The Walleye will also refrain from sounding the goal horn during the game to save Fido’s sensitive ears. Paws & Pucks ticket packages are $19. All proceeds from canine tickets will be donated to the Lucas County Canine Care & Control. A signed pet waiver is required at the gate.
After an evening on the ice, you’ll find a warm bed and even warmer hospitality at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Toledo Downtown, within walking distance from the arena.
Syracuse Crunch - Pucks for Paws Night
Spring will have sprung, but the ice will still be frozen on Pucks for Paws Night on Friday, April 4, when the Syracuse Crunch takes on the Toronto Marlies. Pups can jeer the visiting team from their prime seats in the dog-friendly section. Local animal shelters and pet organizations will set up in the concourse to accept donations and greet two- and four-legged fans with adorable rescue dogs. Tickets start at $35 per person.
Wind down after the game at the Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor. The hip, modern hotel is less than two miles from the arena and accepts two pets of any size for no additional fee.