By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA
The Rochester Americans are going back outside to play a game, but not in Rochester.
The Amerks have been invited to be the visiting team when the Charlotte Checkers host the Queen City Winter Classic at Truist Field, home of Triple-A baseball’s Charlotte Knights.
The game, set for 7 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2024, will be the first outdoor hockey game in Charlotte, the second outdoor game for the Amerks and the 12th in the history of the American Hockey League.
“We’re tremendously grateful to the Checkers organization for extending the invitation to participate in what should be a historic event for the American Hockey League and the city of Charlotte,” Rob Minter, vice president of business operations for the Amerks, said in a news release.
The Amerks and Rochester Red Wings collaborated to produce the Frozen Frontier in 2013, a 10-day festival of outdoor hockey that featured an AHL game on Dec. 13 and host of youth, amateur, high school and college games over the next week and a half.
On a crisp 18-degree Friday night, the Amerks defeated the Lake Erie Monsters 5-4 in a shootout in front of 11,015 shivering fans at Frontier Field.
Ticket information for the game in Charlotte will be announced at a later date.
Which brings us to the obvious question: When will the Amerks host another outdoor game?
“It’s something we consider from time to time for sure, but haven’t made any further decisions yet on when it might happen again,” Minter said. “There is a lot that goes into coordinating something like that and we would want to find the right time to pursue it again that makes sense for all involved.”
Right now the Amerks are far more interested in indoor hockey. They begin the Calder Cup playoffs on Friday with Game 1 of the North Division semifinals against the Syracuse Crunch.
Game 1 – Friday at Syracuse, 7 p.m.
Game 2 – Saturday at Syracuse, 7 p.m.
Gam3 – Friday, April 28, in Rochester, 7:05 p.m.
Game 4 (if necessary) – Sunday, April 30, in Rochester, 3:05 p.m.
Game 5 (if necessary) – Wednesday, May 3, at Syracuse, 7 p.m.
I would absolutely love another game at Frontier (easier to type, easier to say…I know I’m being a jerk but I really hate the new name)
We froze our tails off, but the energy, the excitement…everything that night, including a last second goal that couldn’t be reviewed, that extended our frozen experience…then falling behind 2-0 in the shootout and coming back to win it…that was a night that no one who was there, will ever forget.
I think another one is just what this franchise needs. It would certainly sell out. I have little faith that Buffalo cares, but I think the Wings would be on board. Outdoor hockey is just plain neat. I remember playing pick-up games on the frozen ice sheets of Montreal winters back in the 60’s. Pure joy.
Perhaps a matchup with Hershey..and make it another whole week of activity. Let’s make it happen Rochester!