Tag: nhl

A rather exciting day at Wrigley Field, no doubt… if you ignore the final score. 

Over 40,000 fans showed up in the freezing weather today to watch the Detroit Red Wings take on the Chicago Blackhawks at the Cubs home field.  The fans were mostly of the Blackhawk nature but otherwise it was you could say it was neutral territory. 

I watched the second and third periods on TV.  By that time, the Blackhawks had already done their damage and the Red Wings were just getting warmed up.  Detroit scored five unanswered goals to win the game 6-4. 

But from NHL’s and MLB’s point of view, it doesn’t matter who won.  They are really promoting this as some sort of historical event.  A “Winter Classic” it is.  And it looks like it won’t be the last New Year’s event at a baseball park.  They are already talking about where to hold next year’s New Year’s event. 

PS Al Yellon from Bleed Cubbie Blue has some nice photos of the event.

The Cubs with the help of the National Hockey League will host a “neighborhood skate” on January 4th, 2009.  This comes on the heels of the Blackhawks-Red Wings match on the temporay rink set up at the Friendly Confines which will be played New Year’s Day. 

Don’t bother looking for tix for the game… they’re already sold out.  It’s the first such hockey game at a baseball venue. 

As for the open skate, invites were sent to local residents and groups.  The $10 charge will go to Cubs charities.

Bleed Cubbie Blue has some photos of the construction going on for the events.