The NHL has finally found something to draw attention to professional ice hockey. For the second year in a row the NHL has hosted an outdoor hockey game. 40,818 fans packed into the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field to watch their beloved Blackhawks face off with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings. Two of the league's original 6 played a very entertaining game in fantastic retro uniforms. Although there was no snow like last year, the great outdoors served hockey well today.New Years Day is usually dominated by college football games, but the past two years ho
ckey has rose up and challenged the Bowl games. The NHL picked a good matchup as well with the league's best team in Detroit and an exciting young squad in Chicago. The game was very entertaining keeping viewers intrigued in the seemingly-dying sport. Gary Bettman has made many mistakes, but the idea of outdoor hockey is genius and the best move he has ever made. The NHL needed something to boost its ratings! after the lockout and the first Winter Classic last season th! at featu red Sidney Crosby was an instant success.The NHL has finally found its signature event that is a must-see every season. The NBA, NFL, and MLB have tried pushing their
sports oversees with little success. The Winter Classic should be used as an example to these other leagues on how to improve the game. Don't push your leagues oversees, those countries have their versions of your sport. Find an idea for an event here in the US that will attract lots of people. There were a lot of non-hockey fans that tuned in at! least for a few minutes today just to see what the Winter Classic is all about. The NHL once again congratulations on your success today. As for next year's Winter Classic, why not a showdown in Fenway Park between the Bruins and Rangers? Great job NHL.
