SHU Hockey to Play UConn Outdoors

The Sacred Heart men's hockey team will face off against UConn at Rentschler Field in an outdoor game in February 2011 as part of the first  "Whalers Hockey Fest." The game, which will be played Feb. 13, is part of an initiative by movie producer and former Hartford Whalers owner Howard Baldwin to reinvigorate the Whalers brand and hockey in Connecticut.

The Whalers played their final season in Hartford in 1997, moving to Raleigh, N.C. Rentschler Field, a 40,000 seat stadium located in East Hartford, is home to the UConn football team and a new professional football team, the Hartford Colonials.

“Participation in the Hockey Fest program brings with it a wonderful opportunity to advance the image and reputation of the Sacred Heart University men’s ice hockey program,” said Executive Director of Athletics Don Cook. “Given the chance to showcase our program on center stage at the Rentschler Field’s new outdoor hockey arena against state rival UConn is an ideal way to advance the solid reputation Sacred Heart already enjoys in men’s ice hockey."

The NHL has had success over the past three seasons with an outdoor Winter Classic game played on New Year's Day. Baldwin hopes the Hockey Fest will draw Whalers fans from all over the state back to the game.

"We are determined to bring the Whalers name to the forefront of the hockey world again," Baldwin said at a press conference last week. "Not just here in Hartford, but all over Connecticut. Together we can do it."

The Sacred Heart Pioneers had a banner year this past season, entering the top 25 rankings, eventually losing in the Atlantic Hockey title game to RIT. The Pioneers are led by captains Patrick Knowlton (13 goals) and assistant captains Eric Delong (15 goals) and Evan Mladenoff (6 goals). 

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I think our student-athletes, alumni, fans, and coaching staff are all thrilled to take part in," head coach C.J. Marottolo said. "Any of us who love the game of hockey grew up playing outside on the ponds. I think the opportunity to play outdoors will bring back the childhood memories of falling in love with the game for everyone."

There will be over 20 games played in February, with other collegiate games and possibly an American Hockey League ame featuring rivals Bridgeport and Hartford. 

Tickets are already on sale, with discounted prices until July 15 starting at $15. By purchasing prior to July 15, fans will receive a VIP pass to the Whalers Summer Fest on Aug. 14  at Rentschler Field and a VIP pass to enter the event early in February.

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