Putting on the Foil
Welcome back to Putting on the Foil where I do my best to bring you closer to all things hockey. Since I slacked off last week and had some time to gather my thoughts, I figured this week we could tackle the history of the Outdoor Game. Many different things have been done over the years in the game of hockey to generate fan interest, but in my eyes the one that tops the list is when hockey goes back to its roots - - playing outside in the cold. Up until the latest generation of players, most kids learned to play the game of hockey outside on a frozen pond, lake, or river. Here’s a rundown of the marquee games played in the natural elements in North America up to present time. Let’s drop the puck and dive right into it.
New York Rangers vs. Los Angeles Kings - September 27th, 1991
Most people think that first significant game played outdoors came in college hockey since fans tend to overlook this game because it took place in the preseason. This was the first ever outdoor NHL exhibition game and it took place in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace. The rink was constructed outside in the parking lot with stadium type seating to accommodate the sell-out crowd of 13,000 fans, most of who attended in shorts and t-shirts in the mid-80s desert heat. The Great One netted a goal as the Kings topped the Rangers 5-2 under the bright lights of the Strip. In 1997, the Kings returned to Vegas and began the Frozen Fury, a traditional annual preseason game that was held there every year up through 2008.
Michigan vs. Michigan State – October 6th, 2001
As I said before, most think that this is the game that started it all. A record crowd of 74,554 attended the game nicknamed “The Cold War” at Michigan State. The Spartans would go on to win the game with 47 seconds remaining in overtime to beat the Wolverines. Ten future NHLers participated in this game: Mike Cammaleri (Calgary), David Moss (Calgary), Eric Nystom (Calgary), Mike Komisarek (Montreal), Jed Ortmeyer (Nashville), Duncan Keith (Chicago), Jim Slater (Atlanta), John-Micheal Liles (Colorado), Adam Hall (Tampa Bay), and Ryan Miller (Buffalo).
Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers – November 22nd, 2003
This was the first regular season outdoor game played in NHL history as it took place in below freezing temperatures in Edmonton. Montreal would go on to win 4-3 in front of 57,167 frigid fans. The lasting image that will be most remembered from this game is goalie Jose Theodore playing with a toque over the top of his goalie mask.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin - February 11th, 2006
The second outdoor game in college hockey took place as the Buckeyes took on the Badgers in The Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic at an ice cold Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Attendance for this game was just under 41,000 as Wisconsin would prevail against OSU 4-2, and eventually take the National Championship that year as well. Although current Hershey Bear Andrew Joudrey put the Badgers ahead in the game, it would be Jeff Likens who would steal the show with his “Lambeau Leap” to celebrate their victory.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins - January 1st, 2008
The NHL was in need of something big and that’s what they got; in fact many fans would’ve never expected such a game. Taking place in Ralph Wilson Stadium (home to the Buffalo Bills), the inaugural NHL Winter Classic was a huge success as it snowed on and off during the game, while many watching at home couldn’t believe it. On a day usually meant for college football, the Winter Classic drew the highest TV rating for a regular season game in over a decade. Both teams dressed in vintage-style jerseys and battled in front of a sell-out crowd of 71,217 fans. This game seemed to never end going all three periods, an overtime and then into a shootout. Of course Bearcat will love that it was Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby that would finally score in the shootout to give the Pens the W, 2-1. Goalie Ryan Miller would bring back memories of Jose Theodore as he wore a hockey sock over his goalie mask during play. I still kick myself when I think about it, but I had the chance to go to this game and instead I chose to sit on the warm comfort of my couch instead…it’s one of those regrets I’ll never overcome.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks - January 1st, 2009
After such a huge success the previous year, the NHL finally realized they have something fans want. So they provided another Winter Classic in hopes of making it a grand tradition. It took place at Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) as both teams donned vintage jerseys just like the previous year. The Red Wings would somehow come back after being down two goals, firing in five straight, and in the end winning 6-4. The TV audience grew to approximately 2.1 million viewers, an increase of 12% from the year before.
Boston Bruin vs. Philadelphia Flyers - January 1st, 2010
This game is a few days away and once again hockey takes to the ballpark as the setting for this year’s Winter Classic is Boston’s Fenway Park. It should be a good game so make sure to tune in and watch. Loyal readers will know my anti-Flyers sentiments and will understand that I'll be rooting for the Bruins.
Well, that does it for this edition of Putting on The Foil. I hope you enjoyed the rundown of outdoor games from the past to the present. In closing, I’d just like to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year.
Thanks for coming and suckling Daddy's Sugar Ball...
New York Rangers vs. Los Angeles Kings - September 27th, 1991
Most people think that first significant game played outdoors came in college hockey since fans tend to overlook this game because it took place in the preseason. This was the first ever outdoor NHL exhibition game and it took place in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace. The rink was constructed outside in the parking lot with stadium type seating to accommodate the sell-out crowd of 13,000 fans, most of who attended in shorts and t-shirts in the mid-80s desert heat. The Great One netted a goal as the Kings topped the Rangers 5-2 under the bright lights of the Strip. In 1997, the Kings returned to Vegas and began the Frozen Fury, a traditional annual preseason game that was held there every year up through 2008.
Michigan vs. Michigan State – October 6th, 2001
As I said before, most think that this is the game that started it all. A record crowd of 74,554 attended the game nicknamed “The Cold War” at Michigan State. The Spartans would go on to win the game with 47 seconds remaining in overtime to beat the Wolverines. Ten future NHLers participated in this game: Mike Cammaleri (Calgary), David Moss (Calgary), Eric Nystom (Calgary), Mike Komisarek (Montreal), Jed Ortmeyer (Nashville), Duncan Keith (Chicago), Jim Slater (Atlanta), John-Micheal Liles (Colorado), Adam Hall (Tampa Bay), and Ryan Miller (Buffalo).
Montreal Canadiens vs. Edmonton Oilers – November 22nd, 2003
This was the first regular season outdoor game played in NHL history as it took place in below freezing temperatures in Edmonton. Montreal would go on to win 4-3 in front of 57,167 frigid fans. The lasting image that will be most remembered from this game is goalie Jose Theodore playing with a toque over the top of his goalie mask.
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin - February 11th, 2006
The second outdoor game in college hockey took place as the Buckeyes took on the Badgers in The Frozen Tundra Hockey Classic at an ice cold Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Attendance for this game was just under 41,000 as Wisconsin would prevail against OSU 4-2, and eventually take the National Championship that year as well. Although current Hershey Bear Andrew Joudrey put the Badgers ahead in the game, it would be Jeff Likens who would steal the show with his “Lambeau Leap” to celebrate their victory.
Buffalo Sabres vs. Pittsburgh Penguins - January 1st, 2008
The NHL was in need of something big and that’s what they got; in fact many fans would’ve never expected such a game. Taking place in Ralph Wilson Stadium (home to the Buffalo Bills), the inaugural NHL Winter Classic was a huge success as it snowed on and off during the game, while many watching at home couldn’t believe it. On a day usually meant for college football, the Winter Classic drew the highest TV rating for a regular season game in over a decade. Both teams dressed in vintage-style jerseys and battled in front of a sell-out crowd of 71,217 fans. This game seemed to never end going all three periods, an overtime and then into a shootout. Of course Bearcat will love that it was Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby that would finally score in the shootout to give the Pens the W, 2-1. Goalie Ryan Miller would bring back memories of Jose Theodore as he wore a hockey sock over his goalie mask during play. I still kick myself when I think about it, but I had the chance to go to this game and instead I chose to sit on the warm comfort of my couch instead…it’s one of those regrets I’ll never overcome.Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks - January 1st, 2009
After such a huge success the previous year, the NHL finally realized they have something fans want. So they provided another Winter Classic in hopes of making it a grand tradition. It took place at Wrigley Field (home of the Chicago Cubs) as both teams donned vintage jerseys just like the previous year. The Red Wings would somehow come back after being down two goals, firing in five straight, and in the end winning 6-4. The TV audience grew to approximately 2.1 million viewers, an increase of 12% from the year before.
Boston Bruin vs. Philadelphia Flyers - January 1st, 2010
This game is a few days away and once again hockey takes to the ballpark as the setting for this year’s Winter Classic is Boston’s Fenway Park. It should be a good game so make sure to tune in and watch. Loyal readers will know my anti-Flyers sentiments and will understand that I'll be rooting for the Bruins.
Well, that does it for this edition of Putting on The Foil. I hope you enjoyed the rundown of outdoor games from the past to the present. In closing, I’d just like to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year.
Thanks for coming and suckling Daddy's Sugar Ball...
Posted by Plain White TS at 12/30/2009 2:00 AM 
Categories: Putting on the Foil
Tags: Winter Classic NHL Fenway Park
Categories: Putting on the Foil
Tags: Winter Classic NHL Fenway Park
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