CANTON -- St. Lawrence University has received a planning grant for a study of “renewing and enhancing” Appleton Arena, according to school officials.

Appleton Arena originally opened in 1951.

As a result of a gift from alumnus Tom Dolan and the Dolan Family Foundation, the project is intended “to benefit students in the men’s and women’s hockey programs as well as other intercollegiate and intramural sports while also improving the spectator experience both in the arena and through online livestream,” according to a news release.

“The intention of the donors in making this grant is to ensure that the core essence of Appleton Arena is preserved, the strength and conditioning facilities are modernized, and that the livestream quality of home game broadcasts matches the best in NCAA Division I hockey,” the release says.

The school has established two groups consisting of trustees, senior leadership staff, athletic coaches and both current and former hockey players to assist in this planning process.

SLU will select an architectural firm shortly to develop detailed concepts and plans. The full plan is slated to be completed during the spring 2018 semester.