Winter Classic Preview

Hockey, specifically the National Hockey League (NHL), is the only sport that I watch on a regular basis and have for a couple decades. My team is the Detroit Red Wings. They are my team because I grew up in Michigan and they were the only professional hockey team I could watch on television, back in the day before cable. I could even sometimes catch a game on the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC). Hockey is to Canada what NFL football is to the United States.

The NHL, itself formed on November 22, 1917, has a long history which stretches back to 1909 when its predecessor the National Hockey Association (NHA) was founded. Today the NHL consists of 30 teams with players from 20 different countries.

In more recent history of the NHL, the league has held a “Classic” game outdoors as a tribute to Hockey’s origin of pond hockey and to create interest in the game. The first regular season outdoor classic was held in 2003 with the Edmonton Oilers against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. But during the 2004-2005 season ongoing labor disputes between the players union and franchise owners made the headlines. The interest in Hockey created by the classic was lost to the news of a lockout that would eventually mean the cancellation of the 2004-2005 season.

The classic was resurrected during the 2007-2008 season and renamed the Winter Classic. The Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium near Buffalo, New York on New Years Day 2008. It was a picture perfect setting with snow falling during most of the game and some spectacular plays by some of the leagues most talented players.

The league knew they had to keep the momentum going so plans for a 2008-2009 season Winter Classic were put into motion immediately. They wanted a location that would be the perfect backdrop to host one of the leagues most important games of the season.

The decision was made, historic Wrigley field in Chicago, Illinois, the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Detroit Red Wings on January 1st 2009.

My hockey buddies and I all signed up for contests to win tickets to the game and even to buy tickets. Nobody won the tickets and the date to buy tickets came and past without word. Then I received an email stating that all lottery opportunities to buy a ticket had been given out. We all accepted the fact that we would be watching the game at home on TV.

Then just days before Christmas I received a most unexpected email. Basically they email said that now that construction of the rink had started some additional seats would become available and that I was going to be given a chance to buy tickets at face value! I was stunned but still skeptical that I would be able to actually get tickets. As the time approached to buy the tickets additional information became available. I would be able to buy between 2 and 6 tickets! There was a chance I could surprise everyone with the hottest tickets of the year. The website opened up and I got in line (virtually) and waited my turn. Suddenly the page came up and I was presented with options to buy tickets. OMG!

It still wasn’t a done deal though as I had a very limited time to complete my order before the tickets were released to the next one in line. Also, I was only given the option to buy a total of 2 tickets. Not 4, not 6, only 2 tickets. But that is better than none right? So on we go to the checkout and bingo! Success and confirmation, I scored two tickets.

With only 2 tickets in hand it was only right that a Red Wing and Blackhawk fan see the show. So my friend, gaming buddy, racing buddy, hockey buddy, and Blackhawk fan Nick was top dog. I wish I could have got 12 tickets because I know at least that my friends and family that would have gone in a heartbeat.

This New Years Day I encourage you to watch the 2009 NHL Winter Classic live from Wrigley field. It should be an incredible show and you might just see the admin of atch.net on National television.

Here is a time lapse video of the construction of the outdoor ice rink.

Also, here is live video of ongoing preparations of the outdoor rink construction.

All videos are courtesy the NHL Network Online.