Detroit Hosts Inaugural Heritage Classic, US Premier Hockey League's First Ever Outdoor Game
DETROIT (WWJ) - The outdoor ice rink at Detroit's Clark Park is hosting the inaugural Heritage Classic -- the first EVER outdoor game played by any team in the US Premier Hockey League.
The game, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, will feature cross town rivals the Motor City Hawks and the Detroit Fighting Irish.
Hawks Owner and General Manager Mark Gillman says the guys are excited.
"Clark Park is the only outdoor rink that I'm aware of in the state of Michigan," he said. "I think the only one even near there is probably in Toledo."
The festivities will also feature a hometown Detroit Red Wings jersey and ticket auction, participation by Red Wings alumni and a “Chuck-a-Puck” contest to benefit the Detroit Ice Dreams, an organization run by Hawks head coach and native Detroiter Jason McCrimmon designed to increase awareness and participation in hockey by African American youth players.
McCrimmon, one of only three African Americans from Detroit to ever play pro hockey, is trying to introduce the sport to more inner city kids through the organization. Now in its third year, the charity sponsors three youth teams in the city. All proceeds from Friday's Heritage Classic will benefit Detroit Ice Dreams.
The Motor City Hawks are in their second year of operation previously playing in the Midwest Junior Hockey League and sent seven players to college or higher levels of hockey in its first year, before joining the USPHL Midwest Division this season. Trevor Pode, last season's Rookie of the Year, leads the team with 20 goals and 15 assists (35 points) in 34 games.
Their opponents, the Detroit Fighting Irish, were founded in 2012 and similarly competed in the Midwest Junior Hockey League before entering the USPHL Midwest in 2015. The Irish, coached by Dan Vasquez, are active in the community with long-standing relationships with the US Marine Corps and the Toys for Tots Program, The American Cancer Society , Disabled Veterans & Wounded Warriors and St Joseph's Hospital.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for youth under 13. Children 5 and under are free.
Clark Park is located at 1130 Clark Avenue in southwest Detroit.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.HeritageClassicDetroit.com.
