Top NCAA hockey teams invade FW

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Four of the nation's best men's college hockey teams have officially taken over the Coliseum.

The teams arrived Thursday and Friday they hit the ice for the first time.

Players and coaches sounded off about what they think of Fort Wayne and why people here should be excited about this weekend's games.

The skates hit the ice and the pucks are in the back of the net. The Memorial Coliseum is hosting the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championships.

"We're here in the hotel yesterday watching NCAA basketball games and to think that that's us in the next day guys watching us out there, it's unbelievable," said Tommy Wingles, Miami player.

This is the first time the Coliseum has hosted an event like this and coaches and players all seem pleased with what Fort Wayne has to offer.

"You can just tell this is a hockey town," said Enrico Blasi, Miami Coach.

"What a great arena and it always has been, but it feels like a brand new rink," said Danton Cole, Alabama Huntsville Coach.

This is a new event for Fort Wayne, but players and coaches say there are lots of good reasons for fans to come out this weekend.

"I would say this is playoff hockey at it's best," said Blasi. "You are going to see a lot of kids out there this weekend that are going to be playing in the NHL someday, you know there's an awful lot of talent," said Cole.

Game one will pit the overall number one seed Miami of Ohio versus the Cinderella story, Alabama Huntsville. Game two will feature two hockey powers in Michigan and Bemidji State. All are playing for a spot in the Frozen Four, and Fort Wayne is right in the middle of college hockey's greatest drama.

"These guys are going to leave it all on the ice this is do or die situations for all four teams, it's going to be good hockey it's exciting hockey, probably at it's purest level," said Blasi.

There are two games Saturday and the championship game will be played on Sunday night.

Tickets are still available.