Western Michigan And Michigan Gear Up For Outdoor Hockey Classic

The  NHL, National Hockey League, does it every year so why not some top college teams?

The NHL calls it their winter classic, always at an outdoor stadium and fans go crazy for it. So, two in-state hockey powerhouse teams are saying why not us.

Western Michigan and U of M will face off on January 30, 2027 at Western's Waldo Stadium.

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Playing outdoors is nothing new to either team. Western has played many games outdoors. They played at Soldier Field in the Hockey City Classic (2015) and at Comerica Park in the Great Lakes Invitational (2013). But this is the first time they will play at their own Waldo Stadium.

U of M hockey has been amazing this year and they are headed to the coveted Frozen Four in Las Vegas on the 9th. So the collision with Western Michigan should be a classic.

The Bronco Hockey program is in the best five-year stretch in school history. The Brown and Gold have won 131 overall games and 75 in NCHC play. Along with that, WMU has made five straight NCAA Tournaments and won the 2025 NCAA Division I National Championship.

Western's head coach, Pat Ferschweiler said in a statement:

"We can't wait to bring another world-class event to the city of Kalamazoo. Not only is this a big moment for the Bronco Hockey program, but for the entire state of Michigan. Being able to showcase two premier hockey programs on the national stage, while also hosting several other marquee events, is transformational. I would like to thank Dan Bartholomae and all of his partners for making this happen. I know our players are excited for this opportunity."

Ticket and special event information will be released later this summer. You will be able to find all of the information on WMUBroncos.com.