By Rick Cassano

Staff Writer

OXFORD — Outdoor hockey is coming to Soldier Field for the first time in February, and Miami University will be there.

The inaugural Hockey City Classic will be held at the renowned Chicago venue, event organizers announced Monday.

Details will be unveiled Wednesday afternoon at a news conference hosted by Intersport (a Chicago-based sports and entertainment marketing agency) and the Chicago Park District at Soldier Field’s 50-yard line.

The Classic will be a doubleheader, Miami vs. Notre Dame and Minnesota vs. Wisconsin. Times and the official date haven’t been released, though the original target date was Sunday, Feb. 17.

Miami officials could not be reached for comment Monday. Senior defenseman Steven Spinell will represent the RedHawks at Wednesday’s news conference.

Aldrich named director of hockey operations

Hancock, Mich., native Brad Aldrich has been named director of hockey operations at Miami.

Aldrich will coordinate travel arrangements, set up meals, organize ice time and handle much of MU’s video.

“We’re really excited to have Brad join our family,” RedHawks coach Enrico Blasi said in a release. “He has tremendous experience at all levels of hockey, from youth programs to the NHL and even the Olympics.”

Aldrich comes to Oxford from South Bend, Ind., where he was the assistant programming and instruction manager at Notre Dame’s new Compton Family Ice Arena for the last year.

Collegiately, Aldrich has worked at Notre Dame and Michigan Tech. He’s also been involved with the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams, along with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks.