Invading the outdoors

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke says Leaf fans will take Ann Arbor, Mich., by storm at the 2013 NHL Winter Classic.

The Leafs are set to take on the Detroit Red Wings at Michigan Stadium in front of over 100,000 fans in a game that should break the record for biggest crowd at an NHL game.

Although it will be a road game for the Leafs, Burke expects the team and its fans to take over the event.

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"We don't want to take a back seat to anybody at an event like this," Burke told HOCKEY CENTRAL at Noon on Thursday. "We're coming there with the best fanbase in pro hockey."

Since the game will have such a large number of spectators, the Leafs will receive a yet-to-be-determined allotted number of tickets to sell to their fans and the outspoken GM believes Leafs Nation will come out in droves for an event like this.

"We told them if they give us 60,000 (tickets) we'll sell them," Burke said. "We believe people from the Prairies will come to see this game."

The annual Winter Classic game has grown in popularity since the tradition began in 2008 and Burke believes there's a simple reason for this.

"It takes you back to your roots," Burke said. "(Playing outdoors) is where we learned how to play."

Up until now, there has not been a Canadian team participate in a Winter Classic game but Burke understands why.

"It's a television-driven event, that's why it's been all American teams to date," said Burke, who was en route to Ann Arbor to do some press for the event.

But Burke believes the Leafs are the one Canadian franchise with a big enough market to appeal to an American audience, especially since the game will be between two Original Six franchises.

There has been talk that Toronto could be a potential host city for a future outdoor game and Burke said he feels there is a suitable venue not too far from the Air Canada Centre.

"We think we can host it at BMO (Field) and do a great job with the game," Burke said.

A popular aspect to the Winter Classic the past two years has been HBO's 24/7 series that follows the two participating teams, giving fans an in-depth look at the day-to-day life of an NHL hockey team and its players and coaches.

Under normal circumstances, Burke said he would never allow cameras to follow his team around like that because according to Burke, "We have 24/7 now in Toronto," referring to all the media attention the club already receives.

A deal between the NHL and HBO has not been extended through next year, but negotiations are ongoing, so fans can look forward to seeing the Leafs and Red Wings uncensored.

Tickets have yet to go on sale for the 2013 NHL Winter Classic.