SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – For many college hockey fans in Western Massachusetts, having the chance to watch the UMass Minutemen play in the NCAA Division 1 Tournament in Springfield is an exciting opportunity.

"It's about time. It's about time we've had the regionals here," said UMass fan Michael Sacenti. "I mean, there's been hockey in Springfield going back to the 1920s. It's the perfect place for it."

"That's a big deal. We picked up the tickets for that," said UMass fan Rick Russo. "A long friend of mine would aways go to the frozen four, and whatever travel there was we would go it. But to have it right in your backyard, it's good for the city. It's good for the school programs to be here for support."

Hockey fans from all over came out to the MassMutual Center in Springfield Thursday for college tournament-level hockey.

The Springfield Regional features UMass taking on the University of Denver, along with the University of Maine and Cornell University.

The arena hosted plenty of passionate fans from both UMass and the teams who had to travel a ways to get here.

"Our dad actually played there," said UMaine fan Owen Janik. "He won a national championships at Maine."

"We go throughout the region for college hockey," Boston College fan Ray Snell said. "We just love it. We came here today to see the two games today. We're going over to Providence tomorrow to watch our team play. They're the No. 1 team in the country."

It was an afternoon to celebrate….

With a pregame fan fest, including games, music and face-painting.

Win or lose, fans said they were just happy to watch their team on the ice.

"I just love hockey," said UMaine fan Raiden Weeks. "And I also love college hockey."

"Just the way they play," said UMass fan Ian Hodgdon. "And all the players are really nice, and the way the whole team is. It's great, especially the goalie."

The winners Thursday will compete in the Regional Finals at the Mass Mutual Center on Saturday afternoon.