Once again I set my alarm to Noon this morning so I can struggle to wake up and watch the annual NHL outdoor game. So far, the three games that have been dubbed "The Winter Classic" have been great games to watch.
The first year allowed us to watch Buffalo's Ryan Miller (who was just named the starting goalie for the U.S. Olympic team) losing in a shootout battle with Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, arguable the most talented player in hockey. Last year we saw what I believe to be the best rivalry in hockey, in the Blackhawks and Red Wings, play in historic Wrigley Field. In today's game, Boston had a come from behind overtime victory over foe Philadelphia in another historic stadium, Fenway Park. So far the NHL is three-for-three in entertaining and memorable Winter Classic games.
It's fun to watch, even if you are not as avid of a hockey fan as I am. Seeing grown men playing a game that they love, in an environment like what they were used to playing in as a kid, is always enjoyable. For a lot of the players, especially in Canada, playing pond hockey is a major part of their childhood. And like when they were growing up, they were wearing their long-johns and hand warmers. Even a few of the players had put on some eye black to remove the glare from the lights.
There are plenty of reasons for the success of the Winter Classic, I think the main one is that the teams they have facing each other are not just good rivals, but are geographically close. That allows the fans of the visiting team to be able represent in large numbers. It also helps that all the games have been close too.
The only thing about this event that scares me, is that the NHL is pondering having a second outdoor game on New Years. Part of what makes this so special, is the hype that gets built around that ONE city. It's like the allstar game, everyone will have a shot at it at some point (even the warmer weather cities).
I believe when hockey starts becoming a more popular sport, the Winter Classic is going to be as a big of a deal as the Bowl games that it is competing against. That may take awhile, but I'll be there watching all of them.
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