Avalanche to play outdoor game at Lake Tahoe

Reports surfaced this morning from trusted NHL insider Elliotte Friedman that the league is planning two outdoor games Lake Tahoe this season, one of which would include the Avalanche pitted against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Four teams — Boston, Colorado, Philadelphia and Vegas — are headed to Lake Tahoe in February: https://t.co/GDFc633pVD

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 1, 2021

Colorado Hockey Now, through an NHL source, can confirm: the Avs will take on Vegas on February 20 in the first of the two-game NHL outdoor spectacle at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort golf course, home of the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship Tournament. The marquee matchup between the Avalanche and Golden Knights would take place on the 20th, while the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers would play the second game the following day on the 21st.

Currently on the Avalanche schedule, the Avs were set to take on the Golden Knights at Ball Arena on February 20th for the third game of four-game set. The Avs are already scheduled to be in Vegas for a two-game road trip on the 14th and 16th, but it looks like Colorado may now be extending their Nevada stay through the 20th. This is part of a larger four-game set between Vegas and the Avalanche, which is set to wrap up on February 22nd at Ball Arena.

Much like their in-arena spectacles, the league will not permit fans to be in attendance, despite it being an outdoors, open-air event. The capacity will reportedly be limited to 400 people, which is reportedly expected to be just enough people for the team, their staff and broadcast crews. No word on whether or not media will be permitted to attend, although, I’d be surprised if media is not allowed.

*Update: A limited number of media are expected to be allowed to cover the game.

The Avs will take on the Golden Knights a total of eight times this year as rivals in the newly-formed “West Division.” Training camp begins Sunday for the Avalanche. Puck drops on Jan. 13 against the St. Louis Blues at Ball Arena. Follow Colorado Hockey Now all season long as we deliver the very best of Colorado Avalanche coverage.

The Avs training camp roster will be out this afternoon. Check back here soon for full info.