Frozen Fish Fiasco Returns to Clark Park for 17th Year of Outdoor Hockey

The Frozen Fish Fiasco returned to Clark Park this past weekend. It marked the 17th year. Two days of outdoor hockey games unfolded while money was raised for park maintenance. Crowds traveled from across the area to watch players compete on the ice—from peewee kids to Red Wings alumni.

All funds raised go straight to the Clark Park Coalition, a local nonprofit that partners with the city to maintain the facility and keep the ice rink open. The coalition works to ensure the venue remains available for future generations.

Dominic Riggio, president of Frozen Fish Fiasco, started the event to bring outdoor hockey back to Detroit. "I grew up playing hockey outdoors, and I wanted people to have the experience in Michigan because this is hockey town," said Riggio, according to ClickOnDetroit.

The weekend had notable participants. Red Berenson played at age 85. Stefan Morton, whose brother plays hockey, came to watch the games. "There's just something magical about seeing the game played on ice outside, instead of being locked up in a barn," Morton said, as per Click On Detroit.

Brielle Vanwell cheered on her fiancé during the competition and praised the event's impact. "Hockey is awesome. I started playing myself a few years ago and it requires so much skill and effort, so to be able to have that charitable donation and get more kids involved in the sport and have an awesome event today, this whole weekend going on is very powerful," said Vanwell, according to Click On Detroit.

Riggio expressed gratitude for the continued support after nearly two decades. "This is something I've been doing for close to two decades and it's a warm, fuzzy feeling in my heart to have people really enjoy this and want to be a part of it," he said to Click On Detroit.

Tickets cost $8. The first game on Sunday started at 10 a.m. at the location in Detroit.