Happy New Year!
The NHL is onto something. Playing one game a season outdoors is turning into one mighty fine tradition.
As Canadians...we naturally soak it up. It's billed as the way "our" game started...the way it was originally played. When I played on the outdoor rink at the abandoned Findlay Foundry lot in Carleton Place as a kid, we imagined all our pick-up games as Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final. Although, I don't recall fireworks going off, fighter jets flying overhead...or James Taylor singing the national anthem.
And, Americans seem to have embraced the outdoor Winter Classic too. A tip of the ol' hockey helmet to the NHL and Bostonians for making Friday's game at Fenway Park one of the best ever. Near perfect ice. A huge crowd. And, a win in overtime for the hometown Bruins. You couldn't have written a better script.
Gee, the game was only two-thirds over...and the talk had already started about where next year's Winter Classic should be played.
Leaf Nation immediately started pointing at BMO Field. But, you've gotta remember - - this is Gary Bettman's baby...and the Comish has only one focus - - to sell the game of hockey to Americans. So, don't hold your breath - - it could be a really long time before we see another one of these outdoor games make it north of the 49th parallel.
Apparently, Jerry Jones really wants it played in Dallas next year, where he can show off the new bazillion-dollar home of the Dallas Cowboys. Yawn.
There's another strong movement to have it in Washington, where a featured Ovechkin-Crosby match-up could generate huge interest.
I'd like to see the 2011 Winter Classic at the new Yankees Stadium in New York...with the Rangers hosting their rivals from across the river, Marty Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. Just seems like a natural to me.
By the way, thanks to all of the local "flooders" of the community outdoor rinks that were up and running over the holidays. Your devotion is greatly appreciated. There's nothing better than driving by a park and seeing a large group of kids chasing a puck around the frozen field...chasing their own Game 7 dream.