Historic Iowa Wild Outdoor Classic to Stream Exclusively on FloHockey

FloHockey and the Iowa Wild confirmed that the Outdoor Classic between the Iowa Wild and Milwaukee Admirals will stream live exclusively on FloHockey and the FloHockey 24/7 FAST Channel, bringing a rare AHL regular-season outdoor game into the spotlight. The contest will be played at the United Heroes League rink in Hastings, Minn., as part of Hockey Day Minnesota and will begin at 5:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. CT on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.

The broadcast arrangement places the game on multiple platforms through the FAST Channel feed, including Prime Video in the U.S., Fubo in the U.S. and Canada, and Bell Fibe in Canada. That distribution strategy reflects a broader industry trend toward niche streaming partners and FAST platforms as rights holders seek targeted engagement and new revenue channels for midlevel professional leagues.

Beyond streaming logistics, the event carries symbolic and cultural weight. This will be the 13th outdoor game in American Hockey League history and the first professional contest to be included in Hockey Day Minnesota’s 20-year run. For Minnesota, a state where pond hockey and community rinks are woven into the fabric of local life, hosting a pro-level outdoor game during the statewide celebration underscores hockey’s deep roots and the AHL’s role as a visible step on the developmental ladder.

From a hockey perspective, outdoor games alter the usual calculus. Ice conditions, wind and variable light can neutralize finesse and elevate the importance of goaltending, physical play and special teams. Coaches often adjust line rotations and emphasize simple, north-south game plans to limit turnovers. For AHL players, the setting adds a spotlight moment: an outdoor showcase tied to a major state event offers heightened exposure for call-ups and for prospects looking to catch the eye of their NHL affiliates or a national audience.

Economically, the game is a win for local organizers and the league. Hockey Day Minnesota draws community attention and visitor traffic, and adding a professional game expands ticketing and sponsorship appeal. For FloHockey and parent FloSports, exclusive streaming rights for a marquee event provide content differentiation and an opportunity to drive subscriptions and ad inventory around a singular live event.

For fans, the game promises both spectacle and a return to the sport’s origins. Outdoor hockey evokes nostalgia while serving as a modern broadcast product distributed across established streaming platforms. With kickoff set and platforms confirmed, viewers in the U.S. and Canada know where to tune in, and hockey communities in Minnesota will get a rare chance to see pro puck drop under open skies during a centerpiece weekend of state celebration.

What comes next will be telling: strong viewership could accelerate similar partnerships for AHL outdoor games and reinforce streaming-first strategies for league events, while the immediate payoff will be a memorable night of hockey that connects pro players with the game’s outdoor heritage.