A credible source has told Tech Hockey Guide, today, that Michigan Tech would host its first outdoor series in school history in November 2019. The team will play a 2-game outdoor series at Sherman Field against Michigan, making this the first return of Mel Pearson to Houghton since his departure at the end of the 2016-17 season.
The series will be played on November 15-16, 2019. “I think this will bring a interesting new experience to the Copper Country,” said head coach Joe Shawhan. “Hopefully this becomes a tradition that we can continue. Unfortunately, November 15th is also the first day of deer season, but that was the availability that Michigan had in their schedule for a non-conference contest.”
The University is currently collecting donations for a series of improvements to Sherman Field. Phase 1, which includes new seating for 2,100 fans as well as revamped handicap parking and renovations to the VIP pavilion, should be completed this summer. Phase 2, which expands the press box and restrooms, is expected to be complete in time for the 2019 football season, and the outdoor series will show off the facility improvements to fans across the state.
Both games will be aired by Fox Sports Detroit for fans all over Michigan. This should bring in a respectable amount of media revenue for the Huskies, which will offset the cost of renting an outdoor ice plant and boards for the matchup. Average daily highs in Houghton at that time of year are in the mid-30s, though records for the 15th and 16th are 59 and 57 degrees, respectively. Both games will be played in the evening, but in the event of warm or inclement weather, the contests will be moved indoors to the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
The two teams did not play this season, despite both appearing in the Great Lakes Invitation tournament, but are scheduled to play against each other in the first round of the December 2018 GLI. The Wolverines were 22-14-3 overall this season, but only 5-8-2 on the road.
Coach Pearson did not want to provide a comment at press time, but wishes you all a happy April Fools Day.
Alex Slepak is the former Editor-in-Chief of Tech Hockey Guide. Alex was a Student Conductor of the Huskies Pep Band and graduated from MTU in 2014 with a B.S. in Scientific and Technical Communication. After graduating, he moved to the Twin Cities where he now writes software manuals for a living.
