The debate whether UW can afford a new practice arena ends when it could prevent accidents.

What's the difference between a necessity and a luxury? There are countless answers depending on your means and perspective, not to mention the item and its cost.

Groceries and a Gucci handbag could show up in either column. So could a warm blanket and a vacation to the Bahamas. It's all about what you have and what you're accustomed to.

Coaches and administrators at the University of Wisconsin are in the process of interpreting that question as part of the 2010-11 budget. All 23 sports and all 22 support departments are being told to cut 5 percent from their operations compared to a year ago.

"If it's a necessity, do it,'' UW athletic director Barry Alvarez told staffers. "If it's a luxury, eliminate it.''

It's against that ominous backdrop that UW Athletics is trying to raise gift funds for a new practice and competition facility for the men's and women's hockey programs.

It would be located adjacent to the Kohl Center, cost $25 million and provide upgrades to the nearby Southeast Recreational Facility that would benefit the men's and women's swim teams.

If all goes according to plan, ground will be broken on the 2,400-seat building in the spring with completion scheduled for 2012.

But no one with ties to the hockey programs has come forth to write the big check. Alvarez said between $8 million and $9 million in donations needs to be in hand by the end of the year or he'll either delay or halt the project.

"It would be nice if some of our hockey guys would step up,'' Alvarez said, referring mainly to the dozens of former Badgers players who've had lucrative careers in the NHL.

Whether you agree with the timing of that strong-arm tactic or not - put me down for the latter - the fact remains that Alvarez has the power of his conviction behind it.

UW Athletics has roughly $35 million in reserve, but Alvarez has no desire to use that as a primary funding source for that facility.

That reluctance is understandable given our uncertain economy and all the big-picture needs of the department.

The fact donations tend to dry up as soon as a shovel is put in the ground is another valid reason why Alvarez wants gift funds to drive this process.

But let's go back to the original question. Is a new facility that would benefit four UW sports a necessity or luxury?

I thought about that last week when I saw a member of the men's hockey team get on his scooter and embark on the nearly 3-mile trip from the Alliant Energy Center, where the Bob Johnson Hockey Facility is located and where the Badgers routinely practice, to the Kohl Center.

That scene has played out many times over the years - guys riding in the snow, some carrying equipment bags - but the player in question made me pause because he was recovering from a concussion.

There are a million things wrong with that picture. All it takes is one accident, one tragedy. The fact nothing terrible has happened is good, but how long do you want to keep rolling that dice?

The only luxury here is that UW can afford to fix the problem.

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