On Feb. 11, 2006, the Wisconsin men's hockey team downed Ohio State 4-2 in front of 40,890 brave souls at Lambeau Field. Ben Street, a freshman at the time, notched an assist in that contest.
Now, four years later and with a different Big Ten rival looming, Street, a senior captain, prepares to lead his team in to the elements once more: the 2010 Camp Randall Classic is finally here. No. 3 Wisconsin (11-6-3 WCHA, 15-7-4 overall) is set to square off with the Wolverines of Michigan (16-12-1, 11-9-1 CCHA) under the lights in front of an expected crowd of more than 50,000 people.
For each team, there is more to the match up than the spectacle of playing outdoors. The No. 19 Wolverines sit squarely on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament, and could use a marquee victory against another nationally recognized team after beating Wisconsin earlier in the year. For the Badgers, the game is a chance to rebound from a lifeless effort last Saturday against Minnesota-Duluth, and also to gain redemption for the loss in Ann Arbor earlier this season.
""We have a huge chip on our shoulder,"" said junior defenseman Brendan Smith. ""We want that revenge so that we can say we can beat any team that's beaten us.""
The first matchup between the two squads featured some gritty defense and plenty of physical play, but also saw the two teams combine for 76 shots. Head coach Mike Eaves said the Badgers figure to see more of the same this time around.
""They're about pressure and time and space and they play tempo hockey,"" he said.
The teams may need some time to find tempo in this contest, as the outdoor elements provide the teams with a whole new set of circumstances to adjust to. Although the sun should be set for most of the game, shadows from the floodlights figure to play a role, especially for the goalies.
""They shine down from way up top and shine into my eyes a little bit differently,"" said junior UW netminder Scott Gudmandson. ""I think over the course of [practice] I've gotten used to it.""
For the players moving up and down the ice, the lights themselves will not be as much of a challenge as the glare coming off of the glass. Although the puck may be more difficult to see, especially in midair, Smith said that adrenaline and focus take over once the game starts and did not expect it to be a major problem.
Weather has the potential to have a serious impact on the game, especially in the event of major precipitation. As of now, forecasts for Saturday evening call for temperatures in the 20s and little to no snow—chilly but bearable.
""Once you get going, your body temperature gets up there and your heart starts moving,"" Smith said. ""Then it's just like normal.""
While the ice is in relatively good shape, ""95 percent"" according to Eaves, players noted that it takes some extra zip on passes and shots to make them effective. Falling also hurts more on the portable rink, as Street likened it to falling on concrete. Although this sheet will not be very forgiving to either pucks or players, he acknowledged that there is something magical about playing the game outdoors.
""It's one of those things that just gives you the goose bumps,"" Street said.
