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As the Michigan Wolverines prepare for their game against Ohio State at Wrigley Field, we take a deep dive into their previous outdoor game results:
There’s nothing like outdoor hockey.
Between the crisp air, the massive crowds and the skaters finally having an excuse to wear eye black, it’s a tradition unlike any other.
The 2025 Frozen Confines matchup vs Ohio State at Wrigley Field will mark another celebrated contest in every hockey fan’s favorite event.
To get ourselves ready for today’s game, let’s take a look at past Michigan outdoor games.
The one that kicked it all off. The in-state rivals met at Michigan State’s football stadium for an epic clash dubbed the Cold War. It set the then-world record for the largest crowd at an ice hockey game with 74,544 mostly-Michiganders bracing the frigid conditions.
The battle featured future NHL stars like Duncan Keith (MSU) and Mike Cammalleri (U-M). Keith scored his first collegiate goal, while Cammalleri tacked on two of his own. The Spartans scored in the game’s final minute to force a tie.
This is arguably the most significant of the bunch, as it started the modern trend — both in college and the pros — of playing outdoor games.
After a nine-year hiatus, the Wolverines finally returned to outdoor play at the Camp Randall Hockey Classic. The Badgers were led by defenseman Brendan Smith’s two power play goals in the final six minutes of regulation to beat Michigan.
It was a tough defeat, but it rejuvenated Michigan’s outdoor tradition.
The Big Chill at the Big House, also known as the Cold War II, pinned the Wolverines and Spartans against each other for a second meeting. This time, however, Michigan left no doubt. It rolled to a 5-0 blowout, with Jon Merrill and Carl Hagelin each tallying two goals.
The Wolverines continued their outdoor success with a convincing victory over the Buckeyes. The baseball stadium provided a smaller crowd of “only” 25,000, but it had the same feel as any Michigan-Ohio State encounter. There was tailgating, taunting, and the Buckeye mascot, Brutus, even received some snowballs aimed at his large head.
Former Michigan head coach and program legend Red Berenson described the game as, “A great spectacle. It was a special event.”
This Michigan-only round-robin called the Great Lakes Invitational was a part of the NHL’s Winter Classic festivities. Fittingly, the Detroit Tigers hosted the four Michigan schools.
The Wolverines were downed by WMU in overtime in the semifinals and fell to the Spartans in a consolation match. It was a forgettable performance for the Wolverines, but nevertheless a significant moment in the invitational’s history.
These rivals met up once again for another edition of their already storied outdoor history. Michael Downing and Justin Selman each recorded one goal and one assist in a comfortable Wolverine victory.
This one was particularly notable for its poor ice conditions, causing the opening puck drop to be delayed by nearly two hours. Even with the hiccups, both teams recognized the importance of playing at the Bears’ stadium.
With the win, Michigan improved to 3-3-1 all-time in outdoor games in the modern era, including a 2-1-1 record against Michigan State.
Donning their icy white uniforms, the Wolverines came out of South Bend with a victory. The opening goal was a bizarre one, as senior captain Joseph Cecconi dumped a puck from his defensive zone onto the Notre Dame net. Somehow, it slipped in. Weird things can happen in these pressure moments. Expect nothing less tomorrow.
The Faceoff at the Lake was a cold, sunny day with Cleveland serving as the backdrop, only this time at the Browns’ stadium. The Buckeyes exacted revenge from their meeting 11 years prior. Michigan made a furious rally, recording 20 shots on goal in the third period, but ultimately fell short.
It was a top-10 clash that also pitted the Duke brothers — Dylan, a Wolverine, and Tyler, a future Wolverine — against each other.
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