NHL Winter Classic Already in the Works

It might be the middle of summer, and the collective bargaining agreement may still yet to be agreed upon. But that doesn’t mean that plans can’t be made, and that one of the most exciting Winter Classics isn’t in the works. What’s making this year’s NHL Winter Classic so exciting? The fact that, in addition to being played outdoors as per tradition, some of the biggest alumni names in hockey will also be there — and will be playing!

The NHL has recently announced that this year’s Winter Classic will include two alumni games between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings. Both games will be played on December 31 at Comerica Park, with both current teams playing the following day at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. But with such huge names playing on New Year’s Eve, it’s easy to see that the games played by the current roster are already being overshadowed.

Among the alumni playing for the Detroit Red Wings will be Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Chris Chelios, and Larry Murphy. The alumni roster for the Toronto Maple Leafs will include Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmore, and Wendel Clark. In total, there will be approximately 100 alumni players from both teams playing in the two games.

Along with the alumni teams, other events are already in the works for the big event, too. These include college games, Ontario Hockey League games, and American league games. Other events that are currently being talked about are high school games, open skates, corporate skating parties, and sled hockey games. Tickets for the Classic are not yet on sale, and will be announced at a later date.

Categorized in: NHL