Hockey East and Big Ten Announce Challenge

The Big Ten and Hockey East announced a Big Ten-Hockey East Challenge similar to the ACC-Big Ten Challenge in college basketball. It might become more organized and more of a true challenge in years forward, but this year's challenge was thrown together after the fact.

The following games will be part of the 2013 Big Ten-Hockey East Challenge.

Friday, October 18

Wisconsin at Boston College

Michigan State at UMass-Amherst

Michigan at New Hampshire

Saturday, October 19

Wisconsin at Boston University

Michigan State at UMass-Amherst

Michigan at New Hampshire

Friday, October 25

Boston College at Minnesota

Boston University at Michigan

UMass-Lowell at Michigan State

Saturday, October 26

Boston University at Michigan State

UMass-Lowell at Michigan

Penn State vs. Vermont (Neutral Site)

Sunday, October 27

Boston College at Minnesota

The winning conference will have the most points after all games are concluded. Two points are awarded for a win and one for a tie. A bonus point will be awarded for a road victory. In the event of a tie, the tiebreaker will be the winner of the Penn State-Vermont game on neutral ice at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center.

Jeff Cox covers college and junior hockey, recruiting, NHL Draft prospects and the AHL for SBNation. Follow him on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.