Indians Snow Days plays host to high school hockey showdown leading up to Frozen Diamond Faceoff

CLEVELAND - The latest chapter in the rivalry between St. Ed’s and St. Ignatius played out Thursday night on the “Frozen Diamond” as it’s been dubbed of Progressive Field.

St. Ignatius won 4-2 to remain undefeated on the year.

The two schools faced off in a hockey showdown, a tune-up of sorts for the Snow Days crew leading up to the showdown January 15 between #2 ranked Ohio State and #16 Michigan.

For the fans the game was a throwback.

“Oh great, outdoor hockey,” said Brian Gilson of North Ridgeville. “I used to play in the day back at St. Ed’s so we used to play outside when we were kids. Everything’s mostly indoor now and it’s nice to see a game outside.”

Gilson is among those who have purchased their tickets already for the Ohio State – Michigan showdown.  Tickets are selling fast but some good seats are still available.

“We have upper deck seating,” said the Indians Curtis Danburg.

The higher seats actually provide excellent views of the action on the ice.

“You can even sit in the press box, we still have a few remaining seats left,” he said for those who preferred a climate controlled setting.

Playing outdoors has become an annual thing for Michigan. Last year, they set a record when more than 104,000 people turned out to watch them take on Michigan State at Michigan Stadium. A matchup billed as the Big Chill at the Big House.