Pittsburgh, PA - College hockey returns to PPG Paints Arena, Dec. 29 and 30th, as the 5th Annual Three Rivers Classic brings two action-packed days of NCAA Div. I Men’s Ice Hockey back to the home of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

Participating in this year’s event will be the Ferris State Bulldogs, who last season advanced to the NCAA Western finals, one game short of a spot in the 2015-16 Frozen Four Tournament; perennial college hockey power Boston College; Quinnipiac University, NCAA Div. I runner-up in both 2012-13 and 2015-16; as well as tournament host Robert Morris University Colonials.

Helping lead Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) power Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, MI, into Pittsburgh will be two former graduates of the Pittsburgh-based Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program, Trevor Recktenwald and Jake Hetz.

Both forwards, Recktenwald, Johnstown Tomahawks, and Hetz, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, received tenders with Junior A clubs in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) following successful stints with the Stars.

After successful Junior careers, both Recktenwald, Peters Township High School, who would play two seasons with the Tomahawks, and Hetz, Shaler Area High School, who spent three seasons with the Ice Dogs, received and accepted scholarship offers from Ferris State.

“This is a great opportunity for hockey fans in Pittsburgh to see two of the area’s top players in action at a great local venue,” said Esmark founder and 18U head coach Dave Kosick.

The Ferris State Bulldogs will open play at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29 in the evening game against host Robert Morris.  Boston College and Quinnipiac will open the tournament at 4:30 p.m.

Consolation and Championship games will be played on Friday, Dec. 30, 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.

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