How the NHL’s first Winter Classic overcame many hurdles

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Greg Wyshynski, ESPNDec 28, 2023, 07:00 AM ET

CloseGreg Wyshynski is ESPN’s senior NHL writer.

Sidney Crosby still remembers walking through the tunnel at Ralph Wilson Stadium over 15 years ago, experiencing what Buffalo Bills players experienced every home game.

He still remembers the snow floating down on the temporary rink constructed on the field, where the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres on New Year’s Day. Still remembers the shirtless fans packing the stands, braving below-freezing temperatures. Still remembers the nervous energy and pioneering spirit that permeated throughout the first Winter Classic of the NHL.

“It was like this perfect mix between hockey being pure outside, combined with your dream of playing in the NHL,” Crosby told ESPN. “It was just so incredible. We’ve played in other ones, but nothing matches that feel coming out of Buffalo.”

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The visionaries that pulled off that 2008 event helped make outdoor games a commonplace part of the NHL. The next Winter Classic is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2024, as the Seattle Kraken host the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park. It will be the 15th Winter Classic and 39th regular-season outdoor game. There have been Heritage Classics in Canada, the Stadium Series across the U.S. and even a couple of games next to Lake Tahoe.

“I think the success of the Winter Classic was why the Stadium Series was established,” said Steve Mayer, the NHL’s senior executive vice president and chief content officer. “Go back to that time: The Winter Classic was on fire. Everyone was talking about it. There was an interest to do more.”

But what would have happened if the 2008 Winter Classic wasn’t a success? What would have happened if the game never happened at all?

“There were a lot of moments where, on the inside, you were holding your breath,” said former NHL COO John Collins, who worked for the league from 2006-15.

THE FIRST REGULAR-SEASON NHL outdoor game was the Heritage Classic hosted by the…

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Source link : https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39192326/nhl-winter-classic-2008-history-sidney-crosby-penguins-sabres

Author : Greg Wyshynski

Publish date : 2023-12-28 12:25:01

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