The following article was written by Zach Clark of WWJ Newsradio 950. Original article link. 

Full radio interview:

The culture is so prevalent that you’ll see most signs in English and Spanish, but don’t pigeonhole the neighborhood that spans from Corktown to Dearborn. Hockey has its place in Southwest, too — outside, as it’s meant to be.

And it’ll be on full display this weekend at the historic Clark Park, the last remaining outdoor hockey rink in Detroit that dates back pre-1900 and has stood the test of time as a staple in the neighborhood.

Champagne Athletics, a social media startup and sports content treasure trove, is hosting its fourth annual Champagne Showcase, an eight-team event with all proceeds benefitting the Clark Park Coalition, specifically aiding in the preservation of the iconic outdoor ice arena.

Frank Sorise, founder of Champagne Athletics, told WWJ’s Zach Clark the rink at Clark Park has a special place in his heart.

“The first time I played at Clark Park, I thought it was one of the most beautiful places to play,” Sorise said. “You’re able to go outside and play under the lights with full boards, glass, music playing, Zamboni ice, and you’re playing full blown hockey outside with the (Ambassador) bridge in the background, the water in the background, all the trees.”

When he learned it’s the only fully functioning outdoor hockey rink in the city, Sorise said he wanted to “selfishly” find a way to bring people together to play an event every year that raises money for the park “so we make sure that this place, you know, never goes away.”

In 1991, Clark Park closed as the city continued to sink into financial duress, but the residents of the neighborhood sprung into action, creating the Clark Park Coalition, and they saved the park. The park was threatened with closure again in 2008, but since then, thanks to the work put in by so many, the park has seen a $4 million renovation, making it the gem of what is already a sterling neighborhood.

Clark Park is also home to other tournaments and events throughout the winter that help keep it running for the hockey diehards.

The puck will drop for the Champagne Showcase at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, with four individual games and an open family skate session following the second game. Saturday’s event will also feature a heated beer tent, local food trucks and a big raffle featuring prizes.