NHL’s Winter Classic To Take Center Stage On New Year’s Day

Dec 30, 2018, 11:52 AM | Updated: 11:57 am

A general view ahead of the 2018 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field on January 1, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

BY AUSTIN FACER, KSL SPORTS

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a new observer to hockey, the NHL’s Winter Classic matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins is sure to grab your attention.

Most NHL matchups typically take place in crowded, closed-air arenas. This particular game will be quite different as it will take place in one of college football’s most hallowed grounds, Notre Dame Stadium.

Check this out: Notre Dame Stadium is quickly turning into hockey heaven for next week’s #WinterClassic and @ndhockey outdoor game. pic.twitter.com/jUJ2vB5F48

— Notre Dame on NBC (@NDonNBC) December 28, 2018

A Brief History

Playing outdoors in football stadiums is not a new novelty for the NHL. The first Winter Classic game was played in 2008 and pitted the Buffalo Sabres against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, New York. The game was a huge success and since such games have been played annually.

Past venues include Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Nationals Park in Washington D.C., Gillette Stadium in the Boston area, Busch Stadium in St. Louis and Citi Field in Queens, New York.

The Bridgestone @NHL Winter Classic reminds us of a simpler time… when it was all for the love of the game. @NHLBruins left wing @Bmarch63 takes us back to his “pond” days. #BridgestoneNHLWinterClassic pic.twitter.com/ixo50RoW3e

— Bridgestone Tires (@Bridgestone) December 26, 2018

Looking The Part

To give the game a more “classic” feel, the teams will wear specially designed throwback uniforms.

Sidebar from this week’s @SInow magazine on the 2018 Winter Classic matchup of historic…uniforms?https://t.co/WGRb9Re44O

— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) December 28, 2018

Getting To Know The Teams

The designated home team, the Bruins come into the game with a 20-14-4 record and a 1-1 all-time record in Winter Classic games.

They’re led by left winger David Pastrnak, who leads the team in goals and points. The Bruins roster also boosts the tallest player in hockey history in captain Zdeno Chara, who stands at 6-foot-8, without the aid of skates.

David Pastrnak’s goal last night…. 👀 pic.twitter.com/PD2MkfQ5Uo

— Robert Söderlind (@HockeyWebCast) October 12, 2018

The Blackhawks are 14-20-6 this year and have yet to win a Winter Classic game in three appearances.

Chicago is led by one of the greatest American-born players in NHL history in Patrick Kane. The speedy right winger leads the team in points, goals and assists. He has represented the United States at two Olympic Games and lifted the Stanley Cup with Chicago in 2010, 2013 and 2015.