In recent years, it’s not just the NHL getting in on the fun of outdoor hockey games. Outdoor hockey has been played at just about every level the last five years ranging from the NHL, AHL, NCAA , junior and high school hockey. I’m even willing to bet you know someone whose Pee Wee travel team played outdoors at a venue that hosted a major outdoor game in that time span.
Chicago-based sports entertainment company Intersport is bringing the Hockey City Classic back to Soldier Field in 2015. The home of the Chicago Bears hosted Notre Dame vs. Miami University and Wisconsin vs. Minnesota in 2013 before the 2014 edition shifted to TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The 2014 games hosted both Minnesota hockey teams. The men’s side took on Ohio State while the women’s team played in-state foe Minnesota State.
The 2015 series, sponsored by Chicago-based third-party logistics provider Coyote Logistics, LLC, will feature inter-conference games from both the Big Ten and NCHC. Facing off for the fourth time outdoors will be rivals Michigan and Michigan State. Their all-time series outside stands at 1-1-1, with Michigan winning on home ice at The Big Chill in 2010, Michigan State winning on neutral ice last season at the Great Lakes Invitational and the tie occurring at the 2001 Cold War in East Lansing, Mich.
The other game taking place will be 2013 returnee Miami squaring off against Western Michigan. Western Michigan won the Great Lakes Invitational last season at Comerica Park.
Event organizers said just like the 2013 event, supporting events such as public skating, and lower level hockey games will take place in the two weeks following the games. This is a change from 2013 when the supporting games were held before the collegiate games took place.
As for tickets, they are set to hit the market in October starting at $19 apiece. Prices for the 2013 game ranged from $15 to $85.
