Will The Outdoor Hockey Game Become Bland?

With the exciting announcement of another MSU vs. UM outdoor hockey game I began to think if this new trend will bring hockey more to the masses, or become a gimmick that will fizzle out soon. I was in attendance for the Cold War hockey game on October 6, 2001 that at the time set an attendance record for an outdoor hockey game.

The game of hockey draws its roots from outdoor ponds and games of shinny. Young players honed their skills on the board less pond with the free space to create and make plays never to be seen on an indoor rink. To improve TV audiences after the lockout the NHL began the Winter Classic in 2008 with a match up between Sidney Crosby's Penguins and the Ryan Miller lead Buffalo Sabres on a picturesque snowy New Years Day. Since the success of that game the NHL has played a game between the Red Wings and Blackhawks at Wrigley and Bruins versus the Flyers at Fenway Park. College rivalries have been played outside as well as games between Boston University and Boston College, Wisconsin-Minnesota and an upcoming game to be played February 6 between Wisconsin and Michigan.

There is some concern in hockey circles that the NHL may overuse the outdoor game and have it lose its special nature. I totally disagree with that feeling and believe the NHL should continue to play the Winter Classic and look to expand upon the current set-up. I believe an event like the All Star Game would be great to play outdoors and since it is not a regulation game the NHL could do something different with it. They could perhaps play the game with no boards or if they play with boards widen and lengthen the dimensions of the rink. Also possible would to be to have a double header on New Years Day in a city like New York with 4 teams coming to play at Yankee Stadium. The Winter Classic is great for hockey as it is the beginning of NBC's coverage of the NHL for the second half of the season. Although it competes with New Years Day bowls, the Winter Classic steals plenty of headlines and the 2008 game was the most watched regular season game in 11 years for the NHL.

With teams lining up to be a part of the Winter Classic and many good baseball and football stadiums to play the game in, I believe the NHl should keep a good thing going and stick with the Winter Classic.

Video Clip:Winter Classic Opening and Highlights