There has been speculation on where the next Winter Classic will be held. The Winter Classic has been a major success over the years and it's exemplified hockey in its purest sense. All fans for all teams wish for the opportunity for their home team to host this Classic event. I'm fortunate enough, even though they're not hosting, that my New York Rangers will be a part of history tomorrow at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia and New York have been a major rivalry in the NHL for a number of years and I'm sure it will be amazing. But I wondering where there next destination will be with this event. Here are the past Winter Classics to date:
2008: Ralph Wilson Stadium- Buffalo Sabres Vs Pittsburgh Penguins
2009: Wrigley Field- Chicago Blackhawks Vs Detroit Red Wings
2010: Fenway Park- Boston Bruins Vs Philadelphia Flyers
2011: Heinz Field- Pittsburgh Penguins Vs Washington Capitals
2012: Citizens Bank Park- Philadelphia Flyers Vs New York Rangers
There are a number of candidates for the next Winter Classic and I feel there should be no "repeat" teams involved. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have already been involved twice and I think there are a number of teams that should host this event. For 2013, I believe the next Winter Classic should be hosted in Canada, where hockey is a religion.
I think the next Winter Classic should be hosted in Rogers Centre by the Toronto Maple Leafs against their biggest rival, the Montreal Canadiens.
Let me know who you think the next Winter Classic should include!
In my opinion, the Winter Classic is an event to showcase the game of Hockey and the NHL to the American Audience. It is a way to appeal to the mainstream audience, sports-minded fans, and everyone else that sees the allure and appeal of the outdoor gimmick.
ReplyDeleteHockey and the NHL are Canada. There is no need or reason to showcase the Winter Classic game to the Canadian people because they simply don't need it. In recent years, the Heritage Game has been the NHL's answer to the outdoor game that's main purpose is to cater to the Canadian audience.
In the case of the Winter Classic, it is important to showcase the most high profile teams and players because the faces of the league need to be exposed on a national level. Although the hockey purist would love to see an Original Six Match-up (ie Montreal-Boston) it simply doesn't work. Why? because the league mostly cares about 2 things. $$$ and television ratings. It sucks to think that way but its the truth. The game is the mecca for all of hockey at this moment right now. The NHL will try and capitalize in anyway they can to grow the sport and their wallets. I could go on and on about reasons why Canada shouldn't be apart of the Winter Classic, but I think I have a pretty compelling argument already.
If you were to ask me what teams should participate in next year's WC, I'd go with Colorado vs. Minnesota at Target Field.
1. Need to switch back to Western Conference, has not been a WC since 08
2. Minnesota is the hockey capital of the US, a strong franchise, and a competitive one to boot
3. Colorado is a successful franchise, with young kids leading the way (thereby showcasing the league up-and-coming talent0
However, the only drawback is the lack of True Superstar player in this game. I do believe that the NHL should push Western teams.
It should be noted that the realignment may definitely factor into the match-up.
Either way, should be interesting to see what happens and even better Winter Classic 12 tomorrow!
GO RANGERS!!!
While a game in Canada where hockey is life sounds like a good idea, i agree that the point of the winter classis is to draw more attention to the game of hockey for american audiences. I like the idea of a game at target field but although hockey is huge in minnesota a game like the wild and Avs just wouldn't draw much national interest. The winter classic has to feature two of the more popular teams in the league to draw widespread interest.(hence why teams like the penguins have participated multiple times) I think the next classic should be held at Comerica Park in Detroit and feature the RedW ings against either the Winnipeg Jets or Toronto Maple Leafs. With this you get an America vs Canada angle to add intrigue. If the Jets are picked the NHL would be able to play up the success and feel good story of the Jets coming back. If the Maple Leafs were picked you feature an original 6 matchup again. Either way i think the games should be held in the states and i think the U.S. vs Canada angle would play well as a prelude to the olympics coming around again in 2014
ReplyDeletedefinitely but i also heard the ratings of the Winter Classic are actually lower than the ratings in the United States because of the lack of Canadian teams. But again, I am in favor of keeping it in the United States as a permanent host, but bringing in a Canadian team. Comerica Park would be great to see, West Coast would be interesting but also hard climate wise to have an outdoor game.... definitely pumped for tomorrow though
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