Wrigley Field to host Winter Classic

Jul 17, 2008 - 2:25 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- It had been rumored for weeks - and the NHL made it official Wednesday, announcing that next season's Winter Classic will take place at historic Wrigley Field.

The game, to be played on January 1, will be a battle of "Original Six" teams as the Chicago Blackhawks host the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.

It will be the 701st meeting between the clubs, the most for any two league opponents.

"The NHL is delighted to bring its most historic rivalry to one of the most historic venues in sports," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said.

In a released statement, Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley expressed his elation with the NHL's decision.

"Chicago is widely known as the best sports town in the country. That's why we are delighted that the National Hockey League has selected Chicago for its NHL Winter Classic 2009," Daley said. "We look forward to hosting the Detroit Red Wings in historic Wrigley Field and cheering on the Chicago Blackhawks to victory.

"Chicagoans of every age are passionate about sports, and I hope this event is not only a terrific competition, but also inspires more young athletes to get involved in hockey. I'd like to thank everyone involved in making this Winter Classic possible and encourage everyone to come out to this spectacular event on New Year's Day."

Known for its ivy-laced walls and nicknamed the "Friendly Confines," Wrigley Field is the second-oldest ballpark in the major leagues - behind Boston's Fenway Park - and has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It also was the former home of the NFL's Chicago Bears and hosted the 1963 NFL championship game.

"I've been there once for a baseball game a few years ago," Red Wings left wing Kirk Maltby said. "It's a chance of a lifetime, obviously, with the two 'Original Six' teams playing in a ballpark that has the history that Wrigley has."

The 2009 Winter Classic will be the second NHL game played outdoors in the United States, following last season's contest between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres at Ralph Wilson Stadium, the home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills. The game had a wintry feel, as it was played in slow and sleet in front of a crowd of 71,217.

New Blackhawks defenseman Brian Campbell participated in that game as a member of the Sabres.

"The city was all wrapped up in it," Campbell said. "It was, 'How do you get tickets?' 'What are you doing to get prepared?' 'What's your tailgate going to be like?' It was mayhem, a lot of fun, and something you take a lot of pride in."

Campbell has both fond and not-so-good memories of that contest.

"I was on the ice for a goal against (21 seconds into the game) because my defensive partner tried to pass it and there was too much snow on the ice and it wasn't going anywhere. I personally did not like the game at that point," he said. "Then I scored, and the game was the best thing ever."

The initial Winter Classic took place at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium in 2003. In that game, the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers battled zero-degree temperatures and a wind chill that reached 15-below.

"I remember going to Wrigley with a bunch of teammates in April and thinking how cold it was," Blackhawks center Patrick Sharp said. "I can't imagine what it will be like will be January 1."

"Everybody is going to have their fingers crossed for good weather to allow us to play on some good ice," Maltby added.

Bettman acknowledged that the New York Yankees and the City of New York also were interested in hosting the Winter Classic at Yankee Stadium, which is in its 84th and final season. Logistical problems, however, prevented that from happening.

Bettman did not rule out the possibility of the NHL playing an outdoor game at the Yankees' new stadium, which opens next season.

"We look forward to continuing discussions regarding the possibility of playing a future Winter Classic game at the new Yankee Stadium," Bettman said.