It was another successful trip to Bend for the University of Oregon club hockey team this past weekend at the Bend Classic.

The Ducks pulled off two victories against Rochester Christian University, which made the trip to Bend from Rochester Hills, Michigan. Oregon won 4-2 on Friday night and 7-2 on Saturday night to start its winter-term schedule off on the right foot in the fourth annual Bend Classic at The Pavilion.

“I felt like the team played well coming off of winter break,” said Oregon center Jackson Henningsgard. “There are always things we can correct but we were all on the same page. We knew that if we worked hard and used our strengths, we would give ourselves a great chance to win. We did exactly that.”

“We won both so that was obviously the highlight of it all,” said Oregon coach Jack Hyman. “We love coming to Bend. The atmosphere is great, the fans are great, the rink is beautiful. The fact that we are able to go and play an outdoor game every year is something that we are very grateful for. The fact that we were able to win both is an added bonus.”

The Oregon hockey team’s annual trip to Bend continues to be a rousing success. Whether it is playing in an outdoor rink, playing in front of capacity crowds, or having youth hockey players asking for autographs, it is a different vibe than where the Ducks usually hold their games at the Rink Exchange in Eugene.

“That atmosphere in The Pavilion is so fun. Walking onto the ice surrounded by kids screaming your name is so fun,” Henningsgard said. “The sellout crowds are unmatched.”

Plans are already in the works for next year’s Bend Classic. In January 2026, the Ducks will make another trip to Bend to host Alabama in two games at The Pavilion.

“We are already locked in to play next year,” Hyman said. “We already have an agreement with Alabama for two games. I know the Bend trip is a highlight for all the players and the team. It has been great to get out there and compete.

“There is something about hockey and playing outdoors that just go hand-in-hand,” Hyman continued. “It is a different vibe and different experience. The fans show up every time, and youth hockey players are asking for autographs and photos. We are clearly wanted here and we love coming here.”

Oregon is in its third year of playing in the Division-1 level of the ACHA, the national association for non-NCAA collegiate hockey throughout the United States. The ACHA includes nearly 500 college- and university-affiliated teams representing 48 states and two Canadian provinces.