The Colorado Avalanche were recently awarded an outdoor game for the 2016 season in which they will play the Detroit Red Wings on February 27 in the open air of Coors Field. On some previous occasions, college hockey games have accompanied the outdoor weekend festivities with a game of their own.
DU vs. Colorado College would be the perfect rivalry match to compliment the classic Avalanche vs. Red Wings matchup.
DU has made no formal announcement of the school’s hockey team participating in an outdoor game, so this article is based purely on speculation.
By looking at history and current facts, the possibility for the game to occur can be narrowed down.
The National Hockey League (NHL) implemented the first Winter Classic hockey game in 2008. The game was played in an outdoor stadium in front of many more fans than any regular hockey arena could hold and created a spectacular, breathtaking atmosphere in Buffalo, New York. Many children learn how to play hockey outside on actual ice, so the game feeds into the culture of the sport.
The Winter Classic game has become a staple of the league since then, becoming an annual tradition every January 1.
In 2014 and 2015, the league created an additional outdoor game series, called the Stadium Series. These games were played at unusual locations where hockey still needs growth, such as California.
This is the type of game the Avalanche will play in February, a Stadium Series event at Coors Field where the Colorado Rockies normally play.
The Pioneers are conveniently scheduled to play Colorado College the weekend before, on February 19 and 20 in 2016.
It’s possible that the ice could be set up for the DU vs. CC game for both increased revenue, as well as a test run for the official NHL game.
While Denver can be cold in February, it also can warm up enough to cause problems with maintaining outdoor ice. A practice game for the maintenance crew may be beneficial.
More importantly, though, it would draw more attention to the sport of hockey and how there is more in-state talent than just the Avalanche roster.
DU and CC are often nationally-ranked powerhouses in NCAA hockey that deserve more publicity and fan support. An outdoor college game would pull in people who may not be fans of hockey yet, but simply want to experience the amazing atmosphere.
DU freshman goalie Tanner Jaillet (Red Deer, Alberta) is in full support of an outdoor game.
“I think having the opportunity to play in an outdoor game against CC would be something special for sure,” said Jaillet. “It would definitely add to the rivalry, for the fact that you might only get the chance to play in an outdoor game once. It adds importance to the game because people will remember who wins, versus just another rivalry game against CC. The experience would make it more special.”
