The high school ice hockey tradition will continue at Greenwich Skating Club on Friday.

The Greenwich High School boys and girls varsity hockey teams will compete in the 2023 Winter Classic at Greenwich Skating Club’s outdoor rink. Friday’s Winter Classic marks the sixth anniversary of the popular event, which began in December, 2017 – the Winter Classic did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Greenwich’s boys varsity team will play FCIAC rival Darien in the Winter Classic’s 4 p.m. game at Greenwich Skating Club. The Cardinals’ girls hockey team faces FCIAC foe Ridgefield/Danbury/Immaculate in the Winter Classic’s 1 p.m. matchup.

The Winter Classic begins with a 10 a.m. junior varsity boys hockey game featuring Greenwich High School at Greenwich Skating Club.

Having played close games in its first three matchups, Greenwich’s boys varsity team is seeking its first win of the season. The Cardinals lost their season-opener to New Canaan on the road on Dec. 11, 4-1, and dropped a 2-0 decision to Xavier on Dec. 20.

On Dec. 23, the Cardinals were edged by host North Haven, 2-1. Greenwich (0-3) was defeated by Darien, 1-0, in the 2022 Winter Classic in a hard-fought game.

Darien leads the Winter Classic series against Greenwich, 3-2, having won the past three games.

On the girls hockey scene, the Cardinals are also looking for their first win of their 2023-2024 campaign. Greenwich goes into Friday’s Winter Classic game at Greenwich Skating Club with a record of 0-4-1.

The Cardinals skated to a 3-3 tie against Friday’s Winter Classic opponent – Ridgefield-Danbury-Immaculate – in their season-opening game on Dec. 6.

The 2022 Winter Classic saw the Cardinals girls hockey squad top Ridgefield-Immaculate-Danbury, 6-4. After playing in Friday’s Winter Classic, Greenwich will be in action again on Jan. 4 against Fairfield Ludlowe/Warde on the road.

The Cardinals’ boys team will host New Canaan on Jan. 6 at Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink.