A new mural celebrating Hastings hockey history is going up this week on the southwest wall of the Hastings Civic Arena. Artist Lili Lennox was commissioned by the Hastings Arts and Culture Commission to design the large piece, which faces Highway 61 and will serve as a new visual landmark for visitors approaching the city.
Installation began Monday and was expected to wrap up Tuesday. The mural will anchor the arena’s exterior as the city prepares for its turn to host Hockey Day Minnesota in 2026.
The design centers on a large hockey player in motion, flanked by two sets of oversized “cards.” One set highlights key pieces of Hastings history, including the rivers, downtown, the Big Blue Bridge, and the arena’s heritage. The second set recognizes Hastings players who went on to play in the NHL and other important Hastings natives that performed professionally on the ice such as River Blades Skating School’s founder and former Disney on Ice professional Amanda Truax.
“I’m thrilled to be on the wall to represent our sport,” said Truax. “And I am so grateful to whomever decided to have figure skating represented on the arena wall too.”
City officials say the project is meant to blend community pride with the city’s long hockey tradition while giving the arena a more inviting presence along the highway.
A public dedication and ribbon-cutting event will be held at a later date.