TAMPA, Fla. -- The University of Iowa football team spent a few moments with teammates and coaches away from the field Saturday by attending a hockey game between Tampa Bay and Florida at the St. Petersburg Times Forum.

"It was a good day to relax, sort of rejuvenate and get focused," UI middle linebacker Pat Angerer said. "You don't really get to experience this stuff in Iowa and I've never been to a hockey game before, so it's nice."

After practicing Dec. 25 and Dec. 26, the Hawkeyes did not set foot on the Art and Polly Pepin Stadium turf at the University of Tampa today. Instead, Iowa shuttled players to the Bob Martinez Sports Center for a strength workout. Because of a scheduling snafu, a visit by a handful of Hawkeye players to the St. Joseph's Children's Hospital was postponed.

"It's nice to get to spend time with your teammates and coaches away from the field," Angerer said.

Known for his physical and aggressive style, Angerer led the Hawkeyes in tackles this season with 101. Despite seeing two goals by the host Lightning in the first period (in a game they eventually won 6-4), there was still something missing for the Bettendorf, Iowa, native.

"It's pretty cool, but I'm still waiting for a fight," he said. "Hopefully that will come."

Iowa (8-4 overall, 5-3 Big Ten Conference) plays South Carolina (7-5, 4-4 SEC) in the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day inside Raymond James Stadium.

To view a six-image photo gallery from the Lightning-Panthers hockey game CLICK HERE.

Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes who live in the Heartland or in the Sunshine State or in all points between should note that the UI Athletics Ticket Office is accepting ticket orders for the 2009 Outback Bowl. Click here to purchase your tickets online. Fans can also purchase over the phone by calling 1-800 IA-HAWKS or over-the-counter at the UI Athletics Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.