Chatting with Michigan State's Brett Perlini on Big Chill outdoor game

There are going to be more than 106,000 fans at the "Big Chill at the Big House" in Ann Arbor today (3 p.m. EST; Fox Sports Net), as the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans meet in an NCAA outdoor game. The hype, what could be a world record crowd, the weather conditions ... they can all easily become a distraction or an intimidation for a young player.

"I don't think you can let it get to you," said Brett Perlini, junior forward for the Spartans and an Anaheim Ducks prospect (No. 192 overall in the 2010 NHL Draft). "It's the same ice surface that you play on, day in and day out."

The game is a sequel to the legendary Cold War on Oct. 6, 2001, which was the first modern-day organized outdoor game. The 3-3 tie between the Spartans and Wolverines at Spartan Stadium set a record with 74,544 fans, which has since been topped by the opening game of the IIHF World Championship between Germany and the USA drew 77,803 to Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

One aspect of the Cold War that Perlini said is underrated were the conditions ... in the sense that they were better than expected. "It's funny. Watching the Cold War game, the ice was perfect. The ice was fast, wasn't choppy," he said, drawing a contrast with the first Winter Classic in Buffalo that saw more appearances by the Zamboni than goals.

For the Spartans, the temperature at ice-level is a concern. Perlini said they'll be wearing additional gear to stay warm, especially around their heads. But for any player that cut his teeth on the pond, the cold won't be a shock; the crowd, on the other hand, is something Perlini called a "once in a lifetime" variable.

He said his teammates have been discussing what kind of goal celebrations to perform if they score with 106,000 pairs of eyes on them. Does Perlini have anything planned?

"No," he said. "For me, it's spur of the moment."

The Cold War is credited with starting the outdoor game craze in the NHL and other leagues. The Big Chill, while unique for its attendance, joins a growing number of games played in stadiums. Does Perlini think the novelty's wearing off?

"I think every outdoor game is special," he said. "Every chance they get, should take the opportunity to do one."

Fans of the Wolverines and Spartans wouldn't mind.

Jared Ross Derek Roy Michael Rupp Ryan Russell