This winter, Colorado will join the outdoor hockey fad in a big way.

Longtime rivals Colorado College and University of Denver will play under the sky Feb. 20 at Coors Field in downtown Denver.

The outdoor games have been a hit with fans all over the country.

The CC-DU game already is a hit with CC and DU players and coaches.

“It’s exhilarating,” CC junior Jared Hanson told The Gazette. “It will be the biggest game many of us will ever play. Growing up, you watch the NHL outdoor games and dream of playing in something like that. To do that against a rival like Denver makes it even more exciting. It will be a blast to play in.”

DU coach Jim Montgomery is looking forward to the opportunity.

“It’s a new wrinkle to the tradition, playing in a great stadium like this with the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains,” Montgomery said at a press conference announcing the game. “I don’t think you can ask for a better setting. I’m excited like a little kid.”

The CC-DU game will serve as a prelude to two other outdoor games.

The Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings, also longtime rivals, will play at Coors Field on Feb. 27. But the clash of the present-day foes might not be as interesting – or as fierce – as the Feb. 26 battle between past members of the Avs and Red Wings. Long ago, many of these players were shoving and throwing punches.

Joe Sakic is scheduled to play in the alumni game along with present Avs coach Patrick Roy and former teammates and fellow Hockey Hall of Famers Peter Forsberg and Rob Blake. Other stars, including Adam Foote and Milan Hejduk, are expected to play.

The Red Wings are planning to counter with Hall of Famers Steve Yzerman and Paul Coffey and 2015 inductees Sergei Fedorov and Nicklas Lidstrom. Also, Chris Osgood and Mike Vernon plan to play in the game.

“This is a great day for our organization and our fans,” said Sakic, who serves as the Avs’ executive vice president and general manager. “Playing in an outdoor game will be an amazing experience for everyone. To have this game in the state of Colorado, in a terrific venue like Coors Field, is something we are truly looking forward to.”