In mid-December, Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren presented the idea of an outdoor match-up at Beaver Stadium between his team and division rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Two weeks later, the Penguins faced the Buffalo Sabres in Ralph Wilson Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills. The event garnered higher ratings than last year's Stanley Cup finals and the largest crowd in NHL history (about 71,000). A meeting between the two teams in Beaver Stadium, which has held up to 110,753, could break that record easily.

For the two organizations, these talks could not come at a better time. The rivalry, which has always been heated, has been set ablaze in the last few years. The Penguins swept the Flyers a year ago, and the Flyers have won all three of this year's match-ups.

Holmgren believes that a trademark of the rivalry, such as holding an annual game in a place equidistant from the two cities, would take it to the next level. And after the success of this year's New Years Day game, it would certainly seem that way.

Penn State's fan base is ideal for this game, too. This small town is flooded with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh fans itching for a live professional hockey game. For the fans of the No. 2-ranked Icers, it means one thing: more hockey. But fans from across the country would flock just to see an outdoor hockey game.

And it's not like the area isn't already prepared for a sudden spike in town visitors. The local hotels and businesses are used to Penn State football weekend crowds and could use a boost after Bowl Week.

Penn State should be jumping at the chance to bring crowds and more business to Beaver Stadium, which, except April's Fergie concert, is used exclusively for football.

If the precedent is to be broken, it should be for this game, not a Fergie concert.

Athletic Director Tim Curley and President Graham Spanier should at least discuss the idea with the general managers of the two teams. No results come without dialogue.

If there is a realistic possibility of the game being held here and Penn State can develop a strong plan with the GMs, the NHL is sure to jump on board.

All four parties involved have nothing to lose by making the proper adjustments and sacrifices. This game has all of the right ingredients to make for a record-breaking and profitable night for all.

Which brings us to ticket sales...