Showdown in the Shoe

Why an Ohio State vs. Michigan matchup in the horseshoe needs to happen

By Miles McQuinn

On Oct. 6, 2001, on a beautiful fall night in East Lansing, Mich., Michigan State and Michigan faced-off in what was easily dubbed the "Cold War." The prized outdoor game set a new outdoor hockey attendance record, as more than 74,000 people watched two of the nation's top five teams battle to a 3-3 tie in Spartan Stadium.

A little over nine years later, Michigan put on their own show in what was known as "The Big Chill at the Big House." The score was not nearly as even as the Wolverines dominated from start to finish, winning 5-0 in front of more than 104,000 fans.

Ohio State wanted to get in on the action. But instead of playing rival Michigan at Ohio Stadium, they took the contest with the Maize and Blue two hours north to Cleveland. "The Frozen Diamond Faceoff" was held at Progressive Field, home of Major League Baseball's Cleveland Indians, in mid-January of 2012. The then No. 15 Wolverines pummeled the then No. 2 Buckeyes 4-1 with 25,864 on hand on the shores of Lake Erie.

Let this be my first call for and outdoor game to take place at Ohio Stadium, home of the national champion Buckeye football team. If this were to take place, here is what needs to happen, and here's how I think this will play out (Bear with me fine readers).

Michigan and Michigan State Faceoff in 2015 Hockey City Classic

Soldier Field will welcome back the Hockey City Classic this February. The outdoor college hockey spotlight will shine on familiar foes Michigan and Michigan State on February 7, 2015 as announced by the Coyote Hockey City Classic group today. Beginning in 2013, the Hockey City Classic has hosted Notre Dame and Miami (2013) and two other Big Ten squads, Minnesota and Ohio State (2014).

These two teams are no strangers to outdoor hockey. The Mitten State rivals first squared off in a game dubbed the "Cold War" in 2001. It will mark the 8th time since then that the Wolverines and Spartans are pitted outdoors.

Check out the 2015 HCC trailer here.

Full release found here

Despite Loss, Penn State Still Winning at Citizen's Bank Park

By Jessi Pierce

It was a true test of NCAA calibur for Penn State January 3, on the same ice that just one day prior hosted another successful NHL Winter Classic between the Rangers and Flyers. Taking on the current NCAA III No.8 and 2009 National Champions in Neumann University, the top-ranked ACHA Icers fell to the Knights 6-3. While the outcome I'm sure wasn't exactly what Coach Guy Gadowsky had hoped for, the positives in my mind outway the tally in the loss column. Here's a look at some winning numbers from the contest:

• 5,000- That's the number of fans that turned out to Citizen's Bank Park to watch Penn State and Neumann University. I have to admit, I am incredibly impressed and a bit surprised with that number given the non-DI prescence. It's a number that shows promise for the Icers to make that next jump up where fan bases--especially for future Big Ten teams-- are already largely established.
• 24-22- So the scoreboard at the end of the day may not have favored Penn State, but the shot advantage did. Not only did the Icers keep pace with Neumann, but they weren't afraid to shoot.  That confidence is necessary, especially as they look ahead to next year and an even tougher schedule of games.
• 1- Usually not a number that garners much praise, I had to toss this in there to describe Penn State's Taylor Holstrom, who played in his first ever outdoor hockey game. As mentioned by Lions247 Andrew Dzurita 

This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Holstrom, literally.

“That was the first time I’ve ever played ice hockey outside and I absolutely loved it,” said the California native. “Playing outside was an unbelievable experience, I don’t know if I'll ever be able to get that opportunity again, it is definitely something I’ll remember.”

Essentially this game was more than just the win, loss or draw, but rather a game to prove to the public that Penn State is for real. An opportunity like that is given to few teams--even as we see the number of outdoor games increase in recent years--so to be able to be invited to an event like this on a stage that played host to the much-anticipated Winter Classic says enough in itself. While the game scored a loss, Penn State still netted a win and I can't wait to see this team continue to grow into a real NCAA DI contender in years to come.


And for your viewing pleasure...Some great shots from Penn State

Frozen Yards: Our (and of course your's) Picks For The Next Outdoor Games

By Jessi Pierce

Ah what a beautiful sight. Nothing beats the sound of skates on fresh ice especially on a sunny--yet chilly--winter day. While Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State get to experience January hockey games in all its outdoor hockey glory we wanted to share our own early thoughts on potential Big Ten marquee match-ups. Let's play hockey!

Minnesota vs Wisconsin

• Current Conference: Minnesota - WCHA, Wisconsin - WCHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before: Minnesota - 0, Wisconsin - 2 (W, W)

As Matt Brauson tweeted: "@B1gIceHockey Wisconsin and Minnesota obviously"
Can't argue with putting this at the top of the list and given the rivalry and tradition of both schools, it's almost surprising the two haven't met at center stage in an outdoor venue yet. There's no doubt that this game would draw the crowds. Typically two top-tier programs with a taste for bad blood between each other, the ingredients for an amazing hockey game are all there including some great stadiums to pick and choose from; The Gopher's new TCF Stadium located in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus--and across from their usual stomping grounds at Mariucci Arena-- or Wisconsin's Camp Randall where they sit 2-0 in outdoor competition against Ohio State in 2006 and over the Wolverines in 2010.

Matt Perros offered this solution to us via Twitter: "@B1GIceHockey probally tcf since its fairly new but they could switch off like msu and mich did"

Definitely a way to encourage and increase the amount of raucous college fans and their favorite chants on campus. Move off-campus and Minnesota offers another newly built crowd pleaser with the Minnesota Twins' Target Field in downtown Minneapolis and while it may require travel, Miller Park or Lambeau Field have proven to be fan favorites in Wisconsin.

An option that crossed my mind while skating up in the "Icebox of the Nation" (International Falls, Minn.) this past weekend would be to try something that has not yet been done with outdoor games; Bring it back to the ponds. I think this would especially work given the popularity of pond hockey in both states and with the already rich hockey background at both schools and a dedicated following, it'd work great. Even better, Adam Pietruszewski offers up this gem of an idea: @B1GIceHockey Minnesota vs Wisconsin on Lake Minnetonka. One can dream, right?

Brilliant.

Penn State vs Ohio State

• Current Conferences: Penn State - ACHA, Ohio State - CCHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before: Penn State - 0 (soon to be 1 in 2012), Ohio State - 1 (L, soon to be 2 in 2012)

Got some great fan-feedback on this one and to be honest I hadn't really given it much thought until then but now see it as a positive for both schools trying to gain ground in a Michigan/Michigan State/Minnesota/Wisconsin dominated conference.

Ohio State has been building a rep for themselves as a school that can indeed compete with the big boys, making six NCAA appearances including four in the past nine years and putting up some big rankings in both major college polls this year. Now as Penn State looks to close out its ACHA run at the end of this season and featuring its outdoor game debut before making the jump to NCAA Div.I in 2012-13, why not pair up with a team that tends to get lost in the mix from time to time.

Here's what some of you guys had to say about why these two should face-off outdoors:

"I would love to see more than one game played outside, but also realize how tough it is to set it up, but it is fun to think about. As for the two teams I would like to see Penn State v Ohio State seems a natural. Could be played at the Jake or the Ketchup bottle."

Jon Bravard
Lock Haven, PA (about 35 miles from Penn State)

"I think Penn State-Ohio State at either school's football stadium (preferably Beaver Stadium, for homerish reasons) would be Big Chill huge, with a six-figure attendance!"

Kyle Rossi
Medina, OH

Similar to this year's Michigan-Ohio State match-up, these are two huge Big Ten programs. Throw them in at either college stadium and the tickets will sell with great fanfare at both. We'll be able to catch a glimpse of both team's in outdoor action this year but I can say I would not be surprised to see these two against eachother down the line.

 

Illinois vs Penn State

• Current Conferences: Illinois - ACHA, Penn State - ACHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before: Illinois - 0, Penn State - 0 (soon to be 1 in 2012)

Ok I know, little talk has been discussed about the possibility of Illinois moving up to Div.I status and thus being eligible for Big Ten hockey, but this is coming from my partial American Collegiate Hockey Association biased (Cyclone Hockey original). In my four years working with Cyclone Hockey from 2006-10, few teams were better than Illinois and Penn State. The Icers have hoisted six ACHA National Titles (1990, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003) as the Fighting Illini have captured two in 2005 and 2008. Toss that in with the fact that--hypothetically speaking if Illinois gains NCAA Div.I sanction-- both were able to establish their programs as a Div.I team, why wouldn't you want to see them go back to their roots and compete?

Other teams/ideas garnering votes: Michigan-Michigan State: I have no fear that this game will remain an outdoor showcase--and legend for years to come.
An Outdoor Hockey Tournament For All as a Break in Schedule: An interesting concept brought up by Jordan Weiss. While I love the idea and I think given the right location it could be successful, I am sure college coaches--and teams--won't be up for it. The risk it puts players at for injury for the season isn't worthwhile to the teams. A possible adapted concept would be to opt for an outdoor tournament in place of one of the many holiday classics approaching us this weekend.

***Editor's Note: Big shoutout to all of you guys that participated, really appreciate the input and hope you had fun tossing your two cents in too (god knows that's essentially all I do).***

Taking It Outside

By Jessi Pierce

OK, so the ponds may not be frozen over just yet and there is little snow on the ground to remind me that it is indeed December in Minnesnowta, but that doesn't stop my mind from wandering to the excitement of college hockey showcased at its purest form not once but twice this year, as Ohio State takes on Michigan at Progressive Field and Penn State faces NCAA DIII Neumann University as part of the Winter Classic action at Citizen's Bank Park in the latest announcement of outdoor hockey stages.

There's no doubt that these outdoor games are fan favorites--shown especially by the record-breaking  113,411 crowd at the Big House last year--and they continue to rise in popularity with more than 25 played stateside at varying levels since 2001. With the trend only going upward you can now find as many as four big-named games a year being played outside, including three Big Ten Teams faceing-off outdoors next month.

OHIO STATE & MICHIGAN at PROGRESSIVE FIELD (Jan. 15, 2012)

• Current Conferences: Michigan - CCHA, Ohio State - CCHA
• Number of Games Played Outside Before Jan.2012 Meeting : Michigan - 3 (T,L,W), Ohio State - 1 (L) 

This match-up withoutadoubt will generate plenty of buzz for the upcoming Big Ten conference. Two current members of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, this will mark the 125th meeting between the two teams, including the second series' between the two this year where Ohio State swept Big Blue in Ann Arbor back in November. Both teams will play in a weekend holiday tournament and open January with an easy home series against Lake Superior State for Michigan and on the road to Bowling Green for the Buckeyes.

The Wolverines have struggled this season, sitting at just 9-8-3 but mustered out a win and tie with Michigan State last weekend.

Ohio State has been hot, riding a nine-game win-streak in November and currently comes in with a 13-4-1 record along with a No.4 ranking in the USCHO Polls (even receiving a lone first-place vote) this past week. I won't go into much of preview for the match-up (save that for a post closer to the date) but it's going to be a good one.

While the Buckeyes took home the wins earlier this season and look to be the favorite, they only beat Michigan by one goal in both contests. Put that on a scale in a venue that holds 43,441 and its sure to be a sight to see. Michigan fans tend to travel well and with the animosity between Buckeye and Wolverine fans, I'm sure plenty Ohio State fans will be making the trip too.

USCHO.com's release


PENN STATE & NEUMANN UNIVERSITY at CITIZEN'S BANK PARK (Jan.4, 2012)

• Current Conferences: Penn State - ACHA (last year) Neumann - NCAA DIII
• Number of Games Played Outside Before Jan.2012 Meeting: Neumann University - 0, Penn State - 0

The Icers are playing their last year in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (non-scholarship/club programs) before moving up to NCAA Div.I next season. I have to say I love the moves this program is making and am very excited for them. Its clear that amidst the negative hype surrounding State College, Pa., right now, Penn State continues to focus on the excitement in their hockey program.

The Icers currently sit atop the ACHA standings at 13-1-0 and will face a tough prospect in Neumann, who are ranked No.15 in the USCHO Div.III pollings. In addition, Neumann is a previous 2010 Div.III title holder.

Why is this such a great move for Penn State? Heading to Citizen's Bank Park and playing just two days following the Winter Classic match-up between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers will only continue to build the fanbase and further expose the Icers as a Div.I contender in the 2012-13 season. If that's not enough, Penn State announced that Pegula Arena will be opened in conjunction with the outdoor game. Boom. Prepare for the media spectacle.

Penn State's official release

Up next on B1GIH: A look at team's we think should host/play in an outdoor game

Frozen Diamond Faceoff: Clash of Michigan & Ohio State

By Jessi Pierce

Last January, the University of Michigan housed a record-shattering hockey--and even surpassed NCAA crowd attendance--event when the Wolverines played host to intrastate rival Michigan State in an outdoor game appropriately dubbed the "Big Chill at the Big House". 113,411 fans witnessed college hockey in all it's glory on a stage typically showcasing some of football's best in Ann Arbor's largest venue.

While it's going to be tough to match the success of last year's game, Ohio State certainly is going to try. Big Blue will hit the road Jan. 15 for a match-up with the Buckeyes not at Ohio Stadium where a showdown between the team's two football powerhouses have typically occurred, but at Progressive Field, home to MLB's Cleveland Indians.

Moving the game to a baseball diamond is unique beyond a doubt. As with last year's game the hopes are to increase exposure for hockey at the collegiate level. With the rivalry between these two storied football programs dating back to the 1920s, will that same intensity translate on ice at a baseball field?

As any hockey fan I am nothing but eager to check this game out just a few weeks after the famed Winter Classic. Putting the game at center stage in its purest form brings the game back to its roots. Let's play ba--er hockey!

Tickets went on sale Nov. 14 and more information can be found here: Frozen Diamond Faceoff