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Additional ‘Frozen Fenway’ matchups are a terrific way to grow the game

By Jack Murray

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 14: Ryan Smith #5 of the Maine Black Bears is checked into the corner by Philip Nyberg #26 of the University of Connecticut Huskies during the first period of a Hockey East game at Fenway Park on January 14, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Ryan Smith;Philip Nyberg
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 14: Ryan Smith #5 of the Maine Black Bears is checked into the corner by Philip Nyberg #26 of the University of Connecticut Huskies during the first period of a Hockey East game at Fenway Park on January 14, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Ryan Smith;Philip Nyberg /
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Massachusetts is a terrific hockey state. It has the 3rd-most players born in the state that play in the NHL in the country and has a culture for the sport that runs deep. That still does not mean that any chance to grow the game shouldn’t be taken seriously, especially when it involves “Frozen Fenway”.

The Winter Classic is notably returning to Boston on New Years Day when the Bruins will host the Pittsburgh Penguins at iconic Fenway Park. It will be the fourth time the Bruins will play in the famed game, which is tied for the most of any team and still doesn’t include the game in Lake Tahoe in 2021.

It is clear that there is a demand for the game in the region, but unfortunately that demand causes an astronomic price tag. Currently, the lowest-priced seats for the game are exceeding $250. That makes the game inaccessible to many fans, which truly would be a bummer if that was the only chance to see a hockey game at Fenway Park in 2022.

Additional Frozen Fenway Games

Thankfully, that is not the case. It was announced that there will be two college hockey doubleheaders at the venue in addition to the Winter Classic. One set will feature two men’s games and the other will be two women’s games. Fans will have the opportunity to see UCONN, Northeastern, UMASS and Boston College during the men’s slate and Boston University, Holy Cross and two additional teams for the women’s slate at “Frozen Fenway”.

These games will likely be more expensive than a typical college contest, but they will not be as jacked up as the Bruins game is.

Why does this matter?

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It is better for everybody that more people will get to enjoy the festivities. It keeps the stadium in use during a period where it would typically lay dormant, it allows more teams to have the once in a lifetime experience of playing an outdoor hockey game and also allows more fans to experience this modern sports phenomenon.

It is definitely worth checking out if you have the time.

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