Fenway Park to Host 2010 NHL Winter Classic
Bruins to Face Flyers in Annual New Year’s Day Outdoor Game
Where will the 2010 Winter Classic be held? It was a question every knew the answer to well before the league sent out the media advisory regarding a big announcement at Boston’s Fenway Park on July 15.
Even Commissioner Gary Bettman admitted it was “the worst kept secret”, but nonetheless made it official on Wednesday afternoon, announcing that on January 1, 2010 the Boston Bruins would host the Philadelphia Flyers at the home of Major League Baseball's Red Sox, in what has quickly become one of the NHL’s signature and premier events.
“It’s the NHL’s equivalent of bidding for the Winter Olympics,” noted Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs of his organization being awarded hosting honors.
Though the afternoon matchup requires players to add extra layers as they sit outside for several hours in sub-zero (Celsius) temperatures, the opportunity to participate in the Winter Classic is something they relish.
“It’s something I view as so historical and special. I know us guys in Philly are really pumped about it,” Flyers defenseman Braydon Coburn told the NHL Network.
Whatever the weather is on January 1st, it likely won’t bother Coburn all that much. After growing up in Saskatchewan, winter in Boston should be a cinch.
“We’re lucky to have boards here. Back home, we had bales of hay and straw to keep from losing the puck,” he laughed. “No matter what happens, it’s going to be great. The scenery, the Green Monster, and playing Boston, it’s just going to be really special.”
Winter Classic History
In opting for the Bruins as host, the NHL is headed to an Original Six city and historic ballpark for the second consecutive season. In 2009, Wrigley Park was the setting for a Central Division tilt between the resurgent Chicago Blackhawks and perennial-contending Detroit Red Wings. In the inaugural edition of the event in its current form, the Sabres hosted the high-flying Penguins at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo.
The upcoming Classic also marks the fourth time an Original Six club participates in an NHL outdoor game; back in 2003, the Montreal Canadiens squared off against the Edmonton Oilers at Commonwealth Stadium in the league’s first – and to date most frigid - outdoor contest, the Heritage Classic. That night, temperatures sank to minus-18 Celsius, digits that didn’t include the biting wind chill.
While the annual event is quickly becoming old hat for the league and its teams, there will be something slightly different in 2010. For the first time in all of the NHL’s outdoor games so far, goaltender Ty Conklin will not participate. Now a member of the St. Louis Blues, Conklin was with the Edmonton Oilers in 2003, suited up for the Pittsburgh Penguins to in 2008, and hit the ice with the Detroit Red Wings last season.
Bruins-Flyers Rivalry
The Bruins and Flyers might not appear to be obvious rivals but the two clubs are not without a history. Philadelphia’s first Stanley Cup came in six-game series win over Boston in 1974. Three years later, the B’s eliminated the Broad Street Bullies in the semifinals and repeated the scenario again in 1978.
On December 22, 1979, the Flyers emerged unbeaten for a 29th consecutive game when they beat the Bruins 5-2 at Boston Garden. Goaltender Ron Hextall made NHL history when on December 8, 1987 he shot the puck into the B’s empty net and scored, becoming the first netminder to ever do so.
Overall, Boston owns an 85-55-25 lifetime record against Philly.
More recently, however, some bad blood has emerged. In October 2007, both sides took to the ice for just their 10th game of the season. By the time the night was over, it would Patrice Bergeron’s last appearance of the campaign. With less than five minutes in the first period, he was hit dangerously from behind by Flyers defenseman Randy Jones. Bergeron lay unconscious on the ice and was eventually taken off the ice on a stretcher. In the end, the Bruins center would be diagnosed with a broken nose and a concussion.
Bergeron missed the rest of the 2007-08 season and returned with a clean bill of health in 2008-09.
After two Winter Classics boasting teams that thrived on speed and skill, the NHL will have a slightly different display on tap this coming season. While neither the Bruins nor Flyers are lacking skill, both sides are known for their love of physical play.
Winter Classic Tickets
Within minutes of the announcement, fans were already wondering how they can assure themselves a spot in the stands. On Monday, August 17, the NHL announced that there would be a ticket draw contest beginning on Sept. 15. Fans who sign up for Winter Classic email alerts can be among the first to be notified on a variety of topics related to the event, including purchasing tickets, merchandise and jerseys, as well as event news and player interviews, among many others.
College Hockey at Fenway Park
The Boston Bruins aren't the only team bringing hockey to Fenway Park; on January 8, 2010, college rivals Boston University and Boston College will be the first eastern collegiate hockey teams to play in an outdoor game.
Where to Buy NHL Tickets
Looking for tickets to NHL games but not sure where to get them? Here's a look at a fan's best options for buying hockey tickets.
2010 NHL Winter Classic
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Fenway Park Hosts the 2010 NHL Winter Classic
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Fans Had to Enter a Draw to Buy Tickets
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