OXFORD — Construction on a new $2 million weight room at Steve Cady Arena will begin this fall.

Miami University has received two commitments totaling $1.8 million to add the state-of-the-art facility to the arena for the hockey program’s use.

“We are delighted and thankful to have such supportive alumni who give back to the program and the university,” Miami head coach Enrico Blasi said. “Their generous support will allow us to continue to grow our program and compete at the highest level of collegiate hockey. We feel the facility upgrade will greatly benefit our student-athletes while also adding to the appeal of Steve “Coach” Cady Arena and confirming its place as one of the top hockey facilities in the NCAA.”

The weight room will consist of four areas. One section will be an off-ice shooting area where players can improve their shot, while simulating being on ice with a specialized surface. The second area will be the actual weight room with free weights and workout machines. Along with that will be a cardio center for players to improve conditioning while also being able to test for various body metrics. The fourth and final segment of the new space will be a coaches/media room.

“At Miami, we envision having some of the finest facilities in the country and this project will only enhance the beauty, prestige and functionality of Steve “Coach” Cady Arena at the Goggin Ice Center,” said Miami Director of Athletics David Sayler.

The Goggin Ice Center opened in July of 2006 and serves as the home for Miami’s hockey and synchronized skating teams, as well as providing a facility for Miami classes, intramural sports and community programs. The 3,642-seat arena has hosted Miami hockey games for the past seven seasons. The Goggin Ice Center already includes two NHL-sized ice rinks, the Todd Channell Sports Medicine Facility, the Jim Neidert Equipment Room, coaches rooms and the Brian Savage Locker Room Complex for the hockey team, which consists of a players’ lounge, dry stalls, steam room and spacious lockers.

“Intercollegiate athletics plays an integral role at Miami University. With the national prominence hockey has brought to both the athletic department and the university as a whole, this facility upgrade will only continue to help that cause,” said Miami President Dr. David Hodge. “Miami has produced many great alumni throughout its history and to have them give back to help our current students speaks volumes of Miami’s commitment to the undergraduate experience.”

Miami Hockey will be moving to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference for the 2013-14 season and the building’s additions will continue to allow the program to move forward by having some of the finest facilities in not only the conference, but in the country. The project is expected to be completed in 2014.