43 replies to this topic

[Quinn01]

DETROIT -- The NHL's Winter Classic has grown bigger each season of its five-year existence. It's only fitting that the next stop for the Jan. 1 outdoor game will be at Michigan Stadium, known by many as "The Big House."

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Thursday morning the 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic -- between Original Six rivals Detroit and Toronto -- will be played at the home of the University of Michigan's football team in Ann Arbor.

Bettman made the announcement at Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers, which will host the Hockeytown Winter Festival, a week-long celebration of the game at all levels.

The 2013 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic marks the first time a Canadian-based franchise is part of the festivities. It also marks the first time that the events of Winter Classic week will be split between two venues.

http://www.nhl.com/i...s.htm?id=616022

Edited by Quinn01, 09 February 2012 - 11:39 AM.

[Devilsfan118]

Detroit and Toronto?

Meh.

[mrthemike]

Detroit and Toronto?

Meh.

Meh? Really?

[eldon]

Detroit deserves another winter classic.

Oh wait, this isn't 'things devil fans never say' thread?

[Chuck the Duck]

Interesting that they chose Toronto and not another US TV market to appease NBC on this one.

So, what do you think, a Chicago-Vancouver winter classic 2 years from now?

[Devilsfan118]

Meh? Really?

Yep.

Detroit gets another one, and Toronto, honestly, I couldn't care less about.

I mean, I understand why I guess. Two big markets. I'll (probably) watch, but would it kill the NHL to put two new teams in there?

[DevilMinder]

It is the only way Toronto is going to be on a big stage.

[Devilsfan118]

It is the only way Toronto is going to be on a big stage.

Bazzzzzing!

[Quinn01]

Honestly, we all know that we will not be in this event for a long long time if at all. All I want is some different teams in it once in a while, even though Toronto hasn't been in a winter classic yet. Start incorporating other teams not just the original 6. Its getting boring.

[mrthemike]

Honestly, we all know that we will not be in this event for a long long time if at all. All I want is some different teams in it once in a while, even though Toronto hasn't been in a winter classic yet. Start incorporating other teams not just the original 6. Its getting boring.

Well, there are some restrictions...

1) You want to hit the big markets to generate excitement
2) It's an outdoor game, that eliminates a ton of arenas

This is the first time a Canadian team is being used for the Winter Classic. They sometimes play a Heritage Classic. This is a good way to ease a Canadian market into the mix. You won't see teams with a low fan base in the Winter Classic.

[Quinn01]

Well, there are some restrictions...

1) You want to hit the big markets to generate excitement
2) It's an outdoor game, that eliminates a ton of arenas

This is the first time a Canadian team is being used for the Winter Classic. They sometimes play a Heritage Classic. This is a good way to ease a Canadian market into the mix. You won't see teams with a low fan base in the Winter Classic.

I personally would like to see the Devils and Rangers in Central Park. I think that would be awesome. Im not just saying that as a Devils fan. I would like to see any professional game out of Central Park.

[Legion15]

Start incorporating other teams not just the original 6. Its getting boring.

and philly and the penguins...

[mrthemike]

I personally would like to see the Devils and Rangers in Central Park. I think that would be awesome. Im not just saying that as a Devils fan. I would like to see any professional game out of Central Park.

Sure, it would be cool, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[HellOnICE]

I can see Devils / Rangers happening in 2014.......Yes for tv, but if we're both two elite teams - I can see them doing it.

[Pepperkorn]

I'd love to see that one...

[jim777]

Rangers yes, but Devils? Not a chance. I don't think the NHL will give us this unless we win back to back Cups or something. It would be Rangers / Bruins or something along those lines, maybe Rangers / Canadiens and at Yankee Stadium not Central Park.

[DevilMinder]

I could see a superbowl 2014 tie in, can't you guys? I think that would be cool actually.

[DevsMan84]

I personally would like to see the Devils and Rangers in Central Park. I think that would be awesome. Im not just saying that as a Devils fan. I would like to see any professional game out of Central Park.

If there ever was a WC in Central Park you can bet the Devils will not be in it.

I have come to accept for the last couple of years that the Devils will never ever be in the WC. I will still get excited to see them no matter who is in them and depending on who is in them.

I was actually really hoping for a Colorado/Detroit one for next year. It will happen eventually.

[LOTCB]

Toronto in the Winter Classic with an unfiltered Brian Burke can be interesting...

[jim777]

I would have LOVED to have seen last night's Devs/Rags game get into a 24/7 show though!