Miami hockey headed back outdoors

Miami University’s hockey team is headed back outdoors.

The RedHawks will play an outdoor game for the second time in three seasons Feb. 7 when they face National Collegiate Hockey Conference rival Western Michigan at Soldier Field in Chicago as part of the 2015 Coyote Logistics Hockey City Classic.

Miami played Notre Dame in the 2013 event — which drew more than 52,000 fans — at Soldier Field.

“This is a great opportunity for us to play in such a historic stadium in a city with a lot of both Miami University alumni and Miami hockey alumni,” Miami coach Enrico Blasi said in a release. “We are grateful for the opportunity and look forward to playing one of our big rivals in Western Michigan. This was a tremendous experience for us two years ago and we are happy to return in February.”

The game is part of a doubleheader at Soldier Field; Michigan will face Michigan State in the other game. Western Michigan will serve as the host team. It replaces a game scheduled against Miami on Jan. 30 in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The RedHawks have seven natives of Illnois on their 2014-15 roster, including junior goaltender Ryan McKay.

“Any time you can play in your home city, especially outdoors in the largest venue in Chicago, you look forward to it,” McKay said in a release. “Last time around it was a great experience, especially from a family standpoint since we could take in the venue a day before the game.”

Tickets will go on sale to the public in October through the Miami Athletic Ticket Office (513) 529-4295 or via hockeycityclassic.com. Game times and broadcast information will be announced at a later date.

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