THE THREE RIVERS CLASSIC AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE:
I’ve been chirping about this for the past few weeks, but I wanted to take some time and explain why, if you’re a hockey fan in Pittsburgh, you should take some time out of your holiday and go see the Three Rivers Classic. We’ll break down some of the who, what, when, where and why further down.
IN THE BEGINNING . . .
Originally, the Three Rivers Classic was known as the RMU Hockey showcase and was a single day between Christmas and New Year’s where anyone could go and see the RMU Men’s, Women’s and Club hockey teams play at the Civic Arena (RIP). These weren’t particularly special games, just normal regular season games at the igloo. That all changed around 2012 when the Penguins and RMU decided to expand this day into a special tourney for select teams to showcase cawlidge hockey. The women’s and club games were scrapped in favor of both games of the first round, in addition to a second day with a championship and consolation game. Since this used to be an RMU exclusive event, RMU generally gets an automatic invitation (along with the fact that there is no other Div. 1 hockey team in the city). As for guests, there have been a few different guests. Penn State has appeared in the past four classics, and surprisingly, will not be a part of the festivities this year. (Can’t confirm this, but if I remember the rumor mill correctly, it had something to do with scheduling with the NCAA). Anyway, past participants include Miami of Ohio, Ohio State, Boston College, Bowling Green, Colgate, UMass Lowell, Western Michigan and Clarkson.
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE . . .
Look, I keep harping on “go support local hockey” or “why aren’t you supporting local hockey?” and “for the love of all things holy go out to a local hockey game” but there is a legitimate reason why. For those who don’t know, there’s this little thing called the Frozen Four. It was here a few years ago and (if you actually went) you saw one of the better upsets of the year there with a Yale win over rival Quinnipiac . . . who, coincidentally is going to be at the classic this year! How ‘bout that shit?!
Anyway, beyond the economic implications of having major college teams come into Pittsburgh for more than just football and the dying Pitt basketball program, you should check it out because of three reasons:
- IT’S
- FRIGGIN
- CHEAP
Seriously, all day passes for lower bowel seats range from like 12 bucks to just under 40 bucks. This is legitimately quality hockey and the more people view it, the more likely Div. 1 schools will start to add programs of their own. Pitt and WVU are the two biggest I can name right off the top of my head who have club teams but not Div. 1 teams. Any combination of rivalries with those two, Penn State and RMU should make hockey fans drool. There’s no shortage of talent and the more college teams the more Pittsburgh becomes a true hockey town.
You know why else you should care? Because when Boston College won in 2013, Pittsburgh fans got their first taste of Johnny Hockey. Gaudreau was part of the BU team that won the classic a few years ago. So was Kevin Hayes. And Noah Hanifan. In fact, most of the teams that come to the Three Rivers Classic bring future NHL stars with them. This is about as prime an opportunity as ever to see future NHL stars before they make it big. That’s some cool shit right there. And just about every school has produced a NHLer. Like this guy:
Kunitz is a former Bulldog from Ferris State. Or maybe this guy:
Mark Letestu, proud Bronco from Western Michigan. From Willie Mitchell to Ron Hainsey to Rob Blake, these are the kinds of players you have a chance of watching. That’s a hell of a chance to waste for no damn good reason.
OK, WHEN IS IT?
If I am reading the schedule correctly, the classic will be Dec. 29th and 30th at PPG Paints arena, with the first game starting at 4:30 p.m. and the second game starting at 7:30 p.m. for both days. Tickets are on sale now for each individual day or for both days. Again, these are cheap tickets for really good hockey. They’re an easy stocking stuffer, entertainment for visiting family from out of town or to just go on your own damn time and enjoy great hockey. Just be sure to get out there and support this tourney and these teams. And when the next NHL lockout comes (because boys and girls, it’s coming) we’ll have something to satiate our appetite for good ol’ hockey.
CLOSING REMARKS
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Look, sometimes the holidays suck. Make them suck a little less. Go see an affordable hockey game. Go watch some college kids play their damn hearts out. Go get an overpriced beer and food and shove your gullet full while watching the greatest sport on Earth. I don’t care what you do, but go and support it. Because supporting hockey now is going to pay off in the future.
Goodnight, Good Luck, Go Pens.
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