MHL ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL WINTER CLASSIC IN UTAH!

As we newly enter 2026, The Mountain Hockey League is pleased to share some exciting news with our fans and supporters.

This February, the Reno Ice Raiders will travel south to Utah to face their rivals, the Park City Pioneers, in a highly anticipated return series. The matchup has already delivered unforgettable moments this season, with Reno claiming the opening series in Nevada after two intense contests. The second game proved especially dramatic, as Pioneers goaltender Tony Civello recorded an outstanding 69-save performance, forcing overtime after the Ice Raiders tied the game with just over a minute remaining. A game that will live long in the memory of all in attendance! 

This upcoming series, however, will be unlike any other in league history.

Game two, scheduled for February 21, will be held at the Midway Outdoor Ice Arena, officially marking the first-ever Winter Classic in Mountain Hockey League history. This landmark event represents a significant milestone for the participating teams, the league, and the broader hockey community.

Mountain Hockey League Commissioner Richard Batenburg shared his thoughts on bringing this historic event to Utah; "We here at the MHL have been so impressed over the years by Reno's organization, And very excited to see Park City hosting the first ever MHL Winter Classic. We are thrilled to see The Park City Pioneers back competing in their new facility full time for the 2026/27 season, This is a historic moment for the MHL, for senior hockey... and for both these amazing organizations"

Game one of the series will take place on Friday, February 20, at the Black Rock Mountain Event Center, the brand-new home of the Park City Pioneers. Game two will then move outdoors to the Midway Ice Arena for the Winter Classic experience.

Tickets for both games are available at ParkCityPioneers.com