sportsjunkie

It’s Hockey Town versus Hockey Universe in next years’ Winter Classic and the TV stations couldn’t ask for a more lucrative match up. If you don’t know already, the Leafs and the Red Wings have a historic rivalry and are both Original Six teams of the NHL. The Winter Classic is one of hockey’s biggest events and is held in an outdoor stadium. This matchup is anticipated to have a HUGE turnout and that is why it is being held at University of Michigan Stadium, which has a capacity of 115,000 people!

For a lot of people this matchup is a dream come true. Outdoor hockey has become so popular over the past few years and based on the history of these teams, and the history of outdoor hockey in Michigan, this was a matchup waiting to happen. Michigan state learned quickly that outdoor hockey is a spectacle and a half. When they first tried it out, there was over 75,000 people in attendance. Much later, in 2010, when Michigan played Michigan State, they broke the record for most people in attendance for a sporting event. With these two big time teams, the record is all set to be smashed again, not to mention TV ratings and the economic growth of the NHL. It is an exciting time for both teams and the league, but no one is as excited as the players who will be playing in this game.

“After games, you’re down on the field, and you look around, and you see all the fans go crazy,” Zetterberg said. “It is a pretty cool feeling. It would be awesome to have a game there.”

All we can do now is sit and let the excitement build. This is big. It is going to be a game everyone remembers for a long time. I have no doubt that the game will be sold out and Leafs Nation will show up!