Several months ago, the news came out that the Gophers and Wisconsin would play each other outdoors in Chicago this coming season.

But the 'U' never had an official comment because all four teams involved in the doubleheader had not signed the contracts. Now apparently they have because a news conference has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday on the 50-yard line at Soldier Field, home of the NFL's Chicago Bears.

The Gophers will play the Badgers on Friday, Feb. 15, at Kohl Center, then take a day off for travel and to get accustomed with the ice at Soldier Field. The outdoor doubleheader, called the Hockey City Classic, will be on Sunday, Feb. 17.

Notre Dame and Miami, two CCHA teams, will play in one of the games. The Gophers and Badgers in the other. It will be a historic game, in one sense, because it will be the last time the two border rivals meet in a WCHA game.

Intersport, a Chicago-based sports and entertainment marketing agency, and the Chicago Park District calls the news conference. Details about the Hockey City Classic will be announced then.

A representative of each team will be at the news conference. Forward Zach Budish, a redshirt sophomore and assistant captain last season, will represent the Gophers.

Three players from Illinois will be the other players there:

* Wisconsin junior defenseman Frankie Simonelli, Bensenville, Ill.

* Notre Dame senior defenseman Sam Calabrese, Park Ridge, Ill.

* Miami senior defenseman Steve Spinell, Vernon Hills, Ill.