Buffalo Sabres' goalie Ryan Miller sporting a toque over his goalie mask in the Winter Classic 2008 Game held in BuffaloThis New Year's Day, at 1 p.m. EST, the National Hockey League (which of course is really the inter-National Hockey League, but I digress) is having its second
Winter Classic game. The
Winter Classic is the only game ever held outdoors, in honour of the outdoor pond hockey games NHL'ers grew up playing in the frozen depths of winter. The weather however, is forecast to be cloudy and around 30 degrees... in contrast to last year's snowstorm at the Buffalo venue.
This year the host site is Wrigley Field in Chicago, with host team Chicago Blackhawks facing off against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings... both Original Six clubs, who will be wearing vintage-theme jerseys. Preparations have been going on for months and it is the toughest regular-season ticket ever in Chicago!
The hosting Blackhawks, off to a mediocre start this season, have been improving steadily, especially as of late in anticipation of the day. The Red Wings, as usual, are a formidable opponent lodged at the top of the league, and bound to rise to the occasion even in hostile territory. This is not a festive event only, 2 points between two rivals are at stake.
Some interesting trivia: Wings' goaltender Ty Conklin played in last year's Classic with the winning Pittsburgh Penguins, and also played in the only other previous outdoor game, the 2003
Heritage Classic in Edmonton, Alberta. In addition, hockey legend Scotty Bowman, fresh off 15 years with the Red Wings' organization in a variety of roles from coach to special advisor, and whose expertise was instrumental in the modern success of the team, is now Chicago's senior advisor for hockey operations. Also, offensive defenseman Brian "Soupy" Campbell scored the only regulation goal for Buffalo in last year's Classic and is now (after a brief unmemorable stint with the top-ranked San Jose Sharks) with the Blackhawks.
Overtime scene from 2008 Winter ClassicIf you are a hockey fan, you already know all this, and are probably just as excited as I am. If you are
not a hockey fan, I highly recommend checking it out, even if just for a few minutes at the start to get a feel for it. If you are looking for a break from football, parades, etc., or aren't into them in the first place, try tuning in. The
Winter Classic is a very special event, and exciting for both players and spectators, if last year is any measure.
1 p.m. EST: NBC in the U.S., CBC/RDS in Canada
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Editor's Update: This year's classic won by the Red Wings, 6-4 after a weak first period and coming back with five unanswered goals, was of course a success with players, fans, and the league. Unlike last year's poignant and picturesque snowy play into the darkness, this year's ice stayed nice and crisp under cloudy, then clearing, skies over the historic and photogenic Wrigley Field. The exciting and competitive game left everyone, even the defeated, pleased with the event, from the ceremonial puckdrop presided over by Blackhawk alumni Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull to the traditional playoff post-game handshake ceremony exhibited at the end.
