Post by shlbysalen on Jul 9, 2008 17:07:53 GMT -5
Blackhawks-Red Wings Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field awaits league approval
By Chris Kuc | Tribune reporter
9:01 PM CDT, July 7, 2008
In what is fast becoming the worst-kept secret in hockey, an official announcement appears imminent that the Blackhawks will play host to the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1 in the second Winter Classic.
A Hawks source told the Tribune in June the team was confident it would be awarded the outdoor game, and late Sunday the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported the matchup and venue were approved last week when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman met with the Hawks, Cubs and Mayor Richard Daley.
However, a league source said that while representatives of the NHL met with the Mayor's Office, Bettman and Daley were not present. Hawks officials couldn't confirm the decision has been made, saying the league will make the announcement, which could be made in conjunction with the beginning of the inaugural July 18-20 Blackhawks Convention at the Chicago Hilton.
"We're hopeful it happens, but that has to come out of the league office," Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said Monday.
Related links
Corey Crawford sees crowded net for Blackhawks
Hockey, outdoors, in January?
Blackhawks vs. Detroit Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field: What about it?
Bad idea
Good idea
Great idea
View current results
Wrigley through the decades Photos
Sports photos of the week Photos The league had hoped to hold the Winter Classic, which would be the third NHL game played outdoors, in Yankee Stadium as the venue's final event, but myriad logistical problems prevented it. The Wings were initially reluctant to play the game in Chicago on New Year's Day because the team traditionally has a home game Dec. 31 and it would also like to host an outdoor game.
"If it happens, it would be awesome," Hawks winger Patrick Kane said last month. "You want to talk about history, you have the Hawks and Wings—two Original Six teams at Wrigley Field—it probably doesn't get any more historic than that."
The first Winter Classic drew a league-record 71,217 to Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in a shootout last Jan. 1. Edmonton played Montreal in 2003 in the Heritage Classic.
By Chris Kuc | Tribune reporter
9:01 PM CDT, July 7, 2008
In what is fast becoming the worst-kept secret in hockey, an official announcement appears imminent that the Blackhawks will play host to the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field on Jan. 1 in the second Winter Classic.
A Hawks source told the Tribune in June the team was confident it would be awarded the outdoor game, and late Sunday the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported the matchup and venue were approved last week when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman met with the Hawks, Cubs and Mayor Richard Daley.
However, a league source said that while representatives of the NHL met with the Mayor's Office, Bettman and Daley were not present. Hawks officials couldn't confirm the decision has been made, saying the league will make the announcement, which could be made in conjunction with the beginning of the inaugural July 18-20 Blackhawks Convention at the Chicago Hilton.
"We're hopeful it happens, but that has to come out of the league office," Hawks general manager Dale Tallon said Monday.
Related links
Corey Crawford sees crowded net for Blackhawks
Hockey, outdoors, in January?
Blackhawks vs. Detroit Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field: What about it?
Bad idea
Good idea
Great idea
View current results
Wrigley through the decades Photos
Sports photos of the week Photos The league had hoped to hold the Winter Classic, which would be the third NHL game played outdoors, in Yankee Stadium as the venue's final event, but myriad logistical problems prevented it. The Wings were initially reluctant to play the game in Chicago on New Year's Day because the team traditionally has a home game Dec. 31 and it would also like to host an outdoor game.
"If it happens, it would be awesome," Hawks winger Patrick Kane said last month. "You want to talk about history, you have the Hawks and Wings—two Original Six teams at Wrigley Field—it probably doesn't get any more historic than that."
The first Winter Classic drew a league-record 71,217 to Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium to watch the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in a shootout last Jan. 1. Edmonton played Montreal in 2003 in the Heritage Classic.
