Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to play USHL game outdoors

CEDAR RAPIDS - The United States Hockey League announced Thursday that the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and Youngstown Phantoms will play an outdoor regular-season game Feb. 23 at Cleveland.

The USHL Cleveland Classic will be held at First Energy Stadium, which is the home stadium of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns.

“First of all, we want to thank the Youngstown Phantoms for inviting us,” RoughRiders Coach/General Manager/President Mark Carlson said. “We really appreciate that, and we’re really looking forward to playing in the game.

“It’s going to be a historic game and a historic experience. I’ve been fortunate to coach in the league for a while and fortunate to have a lot of great experiences. That’s why I’m even more excited about it. It’s something I haven’t had the opportunity to do yet.”

The game originally was slated to be played at Covelli Centre, Youngstown’s home rink.

"Growing hockey in Ohio has always been a huge initiative for us in Youngstown and we are thrilled to be hosting the USHL Cleveland Classic in February,” Youngstown Coach Ryan Ward. “Not only is this going to be a once or twice in a lifetime experience for our players, it is going to bring visibility to the state of hockey in Ohio. We are excited to drop the puck at FirstEnergy Stadium"

“The USHL is excited to have both Youngstown and Cedar Rapids competing in this unique outdoor hockey event,” USHL President and Commissioner Bill Robertson said. “The city of Cleveland will be an outstanding host and market for this contest, as the USHL will again be able to showcase our wonderful league and member clubs on a national stage. We are also looking forward to all the pre-festivities that support the growth of hockey in Ohio and the surrounding areas.”

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