Wrigley field has been home to the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It’s the second oldest
This year’s Winter Classic 2009, the second annual outdoor game (and third total) will be held in
This meeting will be the 701st of all time between these fierce and entertaining Original Six competitors. No two teams have ever played against each other more often in hockey history. The game will also be the 4th meeting of the 2008-09 season for them. They face off just two days prior to the event, on December 30th, at Joe Louis Arena in
I am an unusual entity in that I was born and raised in
I still enjoy watching the rivalry between the Hawks and the Wings. I even root for the Hawks to win – when they are not playing the Wings. This game will prove to be a great one in the history books, as the Hawks were the only team that actually challenged the Red Wings last season. With their additions to the team and more experience in the pockets of
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The previous outdoor hockey games consisted of the Winter Classic 2008 and the Heritage Classic of 2003. In January 2008, the meeting was between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabers. All serious hockey fans remember that awesome game with the snow blowing fiercely and
The Heritage Classic was held in November of 2003 and was a true Canadian Classic between the Montreal Canadians and the Edmonton Oilers. The Habs were victorious with a score of 4-3.
On January 1st, 2009 at 1pm, the Hawks and Wings will skate out to the frozen pond in the middle of legendary Wrigley field. The teams will be wearing vintage style uniforms in the style of the 1955-56 season. This should definitely give the game the feel of “old-time hockey”.
This game will pit Chris Osgood against Nik Khabibulin (or will it be newcomer Cristobal Huet?) in a game not only of skill, but of pride. This game is definitely more important than the two points earned. This is for immortal bragging rights. It’s going to be right up there with the Stanley Cup.
I see Toews and Kane playing a major part in the execution of this game. I just hope they remember to bring their sticks and pucks and not expect to swing bats at fast balls when they try to score. They’re young and they may forget in the excitement of the moment?
The Wings will counter with an exceptional team that many feel will skate the Stanley Cup home again in June of 2009. Lidstrom, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg will lead their multi-faceted and talented team to victory. They also will welcome a strong new teammate, and possible ace-in-the hole, Marion Hossa.
As with any game of this magnitude, playing outside on a quality, but make shift rink, there are some risks to take into consideration.
The weather is certainly the determining factor. The teams will hope for good weather and good quality ice. The weather can create more opportunities for serious injuries: poor quality ice, blowing snow (like this year), and reduced visibility for the players – all real risk factors, not to fear, but to carefully consider.
In addition to the on-ice risks, I must add that my family has split-loyalties that could erupt into World War III. On January 1st, I will be rooting for the obvious winners, the Detroit Red Wings. My younger brother will be sharing the big screen TV with me rooting for the obvious losers, the Chicago Black Hawks.
I have the advantage that if there is some problem with the Wings outscoring the Hawks, it’s my TV and I can turn it off! Not. I wouldn’t miss this game for the world.
This will be the first time that I will be hoping for a non-Chicago team to win at Wrigley field. Instead of hearing chants of “Go Cubs Go”, the crowd will be singing “Here Come the Hawks”. Except for me.
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com
