SPORTSNET.CA
The National Hockey League unveiled an architectural rendering of NHL Winter Classic 2009, the Original Six outdoor game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings on New Year’s Day at Wrigley Field.
Taking place in the home park of the Chicago Cubs, the 2009 edition will be the NHL’s second Winter Classic and third outdoor regular-season game. The first regular-season game played outdoors was the Heritage Classic between the Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Nov. 22, 2003.
The format was renamed the Winter Classic and the Buffalo Sabres played host to the Pittsburgh Penguins this past Jan. 1 at Buffalo’s Ralph Wilson Stadium in front of 71,217. Pittsburgh superstar Sidney Crosby scored the game-winner in a shootout. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman called the game a success and indicated plans for future such games at other stadiums.
The game couldn’t come at a better time for the NHL. With teams struggling to put fans in the seats during a tough economic period, the Red Wings-Blackhawks game is sure to drum up interest south of the border. The matchup will also mark the 701st meeting between the two franchises — no NHL opponents have played more regular-season games against one another — and will feature the defending Stanley Cup champions in the Red Wings and one of the league’s more promising young lineups in the Blackhawks.
Wrigley Field, which opened in 1914, is the second-oldest baseball park in the major leagues behind Boston’s Fenway Park. The Chicago Bears once played at Wrigley Field, which has also hosted other events such as concerts.
