Hockey players getting excited about NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - In just two weeks the South Shore of Lake Tahoe will become the newest venue for National Hockey League. They will be holding NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe™ on the 18th fairway at Edgewood Tahoe February 20-21, 2021.

This week, four players who will be hitting the ice in Tahoe spoke about their upcoming trip to the Sierra - Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchard and teammate, defenseman Charlie McAvoy, and Philadelphia Flyers forwards Kevin Hayes and James van Riemsdyk.

"It will be pretty special," said Marchand. "It should be a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to it."

None of the four players has been to Lake Tahoe before, and even though they'll be away from fans and in a protected environment due to COVID-19, they all are excited to make the trip to the highest altitude they've ever played at, 6,224 feet above sea level.

Due to the safety protocol this season, most NHL teams have not traveled far on airplanes. The trip to Lake Tahoe will be different and get many of the players further away from home ice that they have all season.

Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday will showcase the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20. Honda NHL Outdoors Sunday will feature the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21. No fans will be allowed at the event but they can catch them on television since both games will be broadcast at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) on NBC in the United States and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

Since 2003 the NHL has held special outdoor games during the regular season but the Lake Tahoe games will be the first not held inside a stadium.

"It'll be way different and a totally different vibe in that sense," van Riemsdyk said. "That'll make this one special and definitely memorable. The scenery will be cool."

A lot of kids grow up playing hockey on rivers and lakes, so the lakeside setup will bring the professionals close to those early experiences. The building of the rink at Edgewood gets underway this week.

The backdrop for the game is already well-known to golf fans as the annual American Century Golf Championship has been held at Edgewood since 1990.

The NHL has had to postpone several matchups this season due to COVID-19 so fingers will be crossed that won't happen on the 20th and 21st. No plans have been released should any of the players be exposed or test positive.

Harrah's Tahoe will be the host hotel for players and team staff, and they'll be adding some food and drink specials at the casino's bars and restaurants. "Penalty Shot", "Hat Trick", and "Penalty Box Martini" are some of those specials. Both Harrah's and Harveys Tahoe will offer indoor viewing locations at both Harrah’s & Harveys Lake Tahoe and hockey betting opportunities at the sportsbook.