One of Colorado College hockey's greats is spending some time checking out all the new buildings on campus, especially Ed Robson Arena, where Brian Swanson watches his son compete for Team USA this week during the 2022 Under-17 Five Nations tournament.
 
"It's pretty great," he said after visiting the 1-year-old on-campus facility. "Just from a spectator's viewpoint, there isn't a bad seat in the house. You're right on top of the ice and can really feel the speed the game is played."
 
The behind-the-scenes amenities impressed the former NHLer as well.
 
"Everything they did is first class," Swanson said. "They didn't spare any expense and they paid attention to all the little details. They utilize the space well and you can tell (JLG Architects) knows the game and took into account everyone's needs."
 
What "Swanny" needs is one of the arena seats to comfortably cheer on his eldest son Mac, 16. The Anchorage native will play for the United States Hockey League's Fargo (N.D.) Force this fall. But first, Mac is representing his country against Czechia, Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland.
 
"As a father and coach, I am really proud of the work he put in and continues to put in, and the dedication he has shown to reach this point," Brian said. "It's a proud moment as a parent to see him wearing that jersey.
 
"We are just so proud of them all," Brian said, also referring to his wife Lynn. "Mac has two older sisters (Addison, Sydney) who play D3 college hockey (Plymouth (N.H.) State, Nazareth (N.Y) College) and that has been a great experience. As a parent, you just facilitate the things they love to do. (Mac) has always had a passion for it. My wife told me he always sat there and watched the games intently instead of running around like most kids and younger brothers."
 
It's hardly a surprise the Swanson children love hockey with them all growing up around professional teams. Mac has worn No. 27, his father's jersey number, until being assigned No. 17 for the U.S. this week.
 
Brian played for Team USA at the 1996 world junior championships, part of a remarkable college career that led to a 14-year professional run including 70 NHL games and six seasons in Germany. He wrapped up his playing days with two seasons with former ECHL Alaska, where he transitioned into coaching his children's youth teams and led the Aces to the 2011 Kelly Cup championship, He retired in 2012. He now co-owns and operates a microbrewery, Odd Man Rush, in his native Eagle River.
 
The two-time All-American forward recorded the second-most career points at CC with 232 points (88 goals) from 1995-99, garnering him a spot on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's 1990s all-decade team. He was named as one of the WCHA's Top 50 Players in 50 Years in 2002 as a four-time conference honoree. He is one of just seven players in WCHA history to win consecutive league scoring crowns.
 
The 1999 Hobey Baker Top-10 finalist, now 46, will always remember the Tigers run to the 1996 NCAA Championship game (a 3-2 overtime loss to Michigan) and especially cherish the bond that team developed under former coach Don Lucia. That team and Lucia are all in the Colorado College Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
"It's not just one thing," Swanson said. "It's the experiences you have. Teams are just tighter when you have success. The people and the players you meet along the way are what it's all about whether it's juniors, college or the pros."
 
Or if you're in Robson, checking out the new rink. The proud alum praised the college's efforts to honor the history of the hockey program and school alongside state-of-the art amenities.
 
"It's great they have the rink on campus," Swanson said. "My experience at CC was second to none. I had unbelievable teammates who I still keep in touch with.  Hockey is always great to be a part of, but it is the people who make the experience."