The uniqueness of the Hockey City Classic was evident at Miami University’s practice Saturday afternoon.

Part normal practice, part photo opportunity for family, friends and alumni, it was a moment to savor for the RedHawks, who were clearly relaxed as they posed and chatted on the ice at Soldier Field.

“Getting on the ice to feel the surroundings was all we really wanted to do,” MU coach Enrico Blasi said. “Our program’s not just about the players. It’s always been about the community, university and certainly our alums. Hopefully they had fun today.”

The first outdoor game in school history is set for 1 p.m. today. The RedHawks defeated Notre Dame 3-1 in Central Collegiate Hockey Association play at Steve Cady Arena on Friday, and the series finale will be contested at the home of the National Football League’s Chicago Bears.

It’s a critical CCHA matchup — third-ranked Miami is 19-7-5 overall and 14-5-4 in the league, while the 12th-ranked Irish are 18-12-1, 14-8-1. But the records seemed secondary Saturday when both teams got a chance to test the ice at Soldier Field.

“It was unbelievable,” said MU junior forward Max Cook, who hails from nearby Frankfort. “A couple of the guys were saying how we feel like little kids again, just going out and having fun and being outside. I probably won’t do anything as cool as this again in my life. You have to cherish this.”

Freshman defenseman Chris Joyaux, another Chicagoan from suburban Bloomingdale, was one of many players with family members in attendance Saturday.

“Mom and dad were out here keeping an eye on their little boy, making sure he’s doing all right,” Joyaux said. “I’d say this is all pretty surreal. Growing up watching the Bears on TV, this stadium just kind of shines in Chicago. It’s an opportunity for us to come out and show everyone from a national standpoint what we have to offer and what our program is.”

Freshman goalie Ryan McKay is a Chicago kid from Palatine. He went the distance Friday and said he’s getting the call again today.

“I was able to catch a Packers and Bears game here in December. Now we’re here like two months later skating on it,” said McKay, shaking his head. “It’s a chance to play in front of friends and family that normally don’t get to see me. There’s a lot of kids out here from organizations I knew growing up. It’s pretty cool to give back a little bit and talk to them.”

Minnesota will play Wisconsin in the Classic’s second game at 4:30 p.m. Lauren Price from Intersport, the event organizer, said 50,000 tickets had been sold as of Saturday afternoon.

Is McKay ready to stand tall and make plays in front of that kind of crowd?

“Absolutely,” he said. “That’s the dream-come-true part.”