The Next Winter Classic(s)
Monday · Dec 28 · 2009 | 11:35 AM PST
It's hard to believe 2010 is a mere four days away. That means the third annual Winter Classic is coming up at the end of the week.
And on the eve of the big event, a bunch of eager artists have started thinking about the next one. Or should I make that plural? A couple weeks ago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he'd like to see a second outdoor game on New Year's Day 2011 — this one in Canada.
No decisions have been made at this point and any discussion on the topic is pure speculation. But that's what the Icethetics Concepts page is for. So as we prepare for the Philadelphia Flyers to face the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park, let's think about what we might like to see in 2011.
Rumors suggest Yankee Stadium will play host to at least one of the 2011 outdoor games. That puts the Rangers at home to face who? Islanders? Maple Leafs? Capitals? And regarding the Canada game, Bettman mentioned Calgary by name. Would the Flames face their province rivals, the Oilers? Perhaps the Canucks or even Avalanche?
Let's see what some talented people have come up with as suggestions for 2011.
 Brendan Droppo
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Yankee StadiumRangers vs IslandersThis may be the most well-designed Winter Classic 2011 concept I've received. Brendan Droppo is sticking with the New York City rumors and pairing the Rangers and Islanders at Yankee Stadium. Probably a safe bet. He's got a great logo that evokes the locale (as the past logos have done) and a pair of classic sweaters. Though I'm not sure you can call anything but their current jersey a classic. But then I thought that about the Red Wings too. And theirs worked out just fine last year. This is an awesome concept and I'm completely on board with it only if western Canada also gets their own Winter Classic. If they don't, I say out with the Isles. Canada deserves to get back into the outdoor games. Pit the Rangers against the Maple Leafs. If there is a Canadian game, I'd vote to leave it the way it is. Not sure the Rangers have another rival as big as the Isles. Plus we need to share the wealth. Everyone should get a shot at a Winter Classic game. |
 Cole Jones
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Target FieldWild vs StarsCole Jones of The Other 6 Seconds hockey blog emailed in to tell me about his idea. You can read the full proposal on his blog, but here are the bullet points. While I'm over here trying to get a Canadian team back into their own game, Cole, a Stars fan, is attempting to get a southern U.S. team into the mix — his own. He'd like to pit the Dallas Stars against the Minnesota Wild at Target Field, which is currently under construction in Minneapolis. It will serve as the home of the Minnesota Twins beginning in April 2010 — more than enough time to prepare it for a hockey match. It would be a huge day for Minnesota hockey fans, that's for sure. To see their current team after 10 years on the ice, facing a blast from the past in the form of North Stars jerseys would probably send some people into a tailspin. The only problem I see is this: Aside from Minnesotans, who cares? Part of the idea behind the Winter Classic is to appeal to new fans. To put the game in front of people who normally wouldn't watch. The past few seasons the NHL has been going for teams in big markets or with long histories. Yes, Dallas and Minneapolis are two huge markets, but the point is to go beyond them. A Rangers-Isles game would certainly do the trick. Everybody knows the Rangers, even if their not hockey fans. But this idea of getting the Stars back to Minnesota for a big event is a pretty popular one in hockey circles... |
 Ryan Haslett |
Target FieldWild vs StarsAnother regular Icethetics artist, Ryan Haslett, independently came up with the same idea. Wild and Stars at Target Field. But Ryan's idea for an event logo and game jerseys is a little different. They definitely feel like classic hockey, but both designs borrow from current sweaters. The "M" on the Wild jersey comes from the new green third while the Stars sweater is based off their current third, but infused with a little more gold. Either Cole's or Ryan's designs could work well if, indeed, one of the 2011 Winter Classics were to take place in Minnesota. |
 Ryan Haslett |
Rogers CentreMaple Leafs vs CanadiensSpeaking of Canada, Ryan did have a second Canadian option — going with one of the oldest rivalries in professional sports. He's got the Habs and Leafs at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Formerly called the SkyDome, the stadium plays home to the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Argonauts. As expected, he's got the teams in vintage sweaters, and surprisingly enough, one that the Canadiens have NOT worn in the past two seasons. The logo is a little weak but it plays off the simplicity of the Rogers Centre logo. Now to be fair, the Canadiens just took part in an outdoor game in 2003. Maybe they should sit on the bench a little while longer, you know? If you're going to put the game in Toronto, maybe have the Leafs face their province rival Ottawa Senators. As I said, spread the wealth. |
One thing I've noticed with these concepts is they're all set at baseball stadiums. Let's not forget the first two NHL outdoor games took place in football stadiums and were quite successful.
In wrapping things up, the one concept I don't have to share that I would really like to see is Calgary. I'm not familiar enough with the city to know where it should be played, but the Flames should host it and their opponent should NOT be the Oilers. (The Oilers faced the Habs in 2003 in Edmonton.) I think it comes down to the Maple Leafs, who play in a huge market and have a long history, or the Canucks, who are geographically closer and a more common foe during the regular season. But it's not up to me.
So what are your thoughts on the 2011 Winter Classic(s)? If you have have concept art to share, I'd be happy to add it to this post. If you just have another thought about a good match-up, drop a line in the comments.
By the way, happy new year!
Reader Comments (59)
Take a look at the KHL All-Star game from Red Square last year. Winter Classic on the National Mall, with the US Capitol Dome as the backdrop...Caps and Rangers in DC, instead of Yankee Stadium. That's my vote. (I'm here in DC. I can tell you first hand...it's cold enough for outdoor ice!)
Us Canadian definitely need a game!
Wow
Great looking Leafs jersey !
While Rangers vs Islanders would be amazing, I think Rangers vs Capitals is more likely.
1) Anyone who has been to a Ranger / Islander game knows that Rangers fans and Islander fans do not get along. Fights in the stands could put a bad image on things.
2) While Tavares is making a good start with the Islanders, Ovechkin is the better player out there right now, get him in the Winter classic and soon!
3) Having Washington in there is a good way to dip into the Southern market, without drifting too far south. No one wants to see Florida or Atlanta in a winter classic, but DC would work.
I predicted on another site that the next Winter Classic is going to be the Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche.
Rationale:
* They have been alternating East v. West
* The NHL has gone on record saying that the old stadium tour is over and its time for something a little newer
* Both teams are American teams from cities that feasibly could play in the snow
* Both teams are young and up and coming
Sadly, I predict that both teams will wear their current third jerseys or an Away version of one of them will be created just for the game. Both of their alternates are fantastic retro looks already and I would be ecstatic to see the Wild wear those sexy green jerseys outside.
As for a Canadian game, I think its coming but we're still a year or two away from it. Before it happens, I'd expect the game to be re-branded as the "NHL American Winter Classic" so that a distinction between the two can be made.
Its also a question of logistics. How much infrastructure are they mobilizing in the NHL to do the one game and how much would it cost to have a second team doing the same thing? Its got to be expensive having a portable hockey rink to lug around with zambonis, etc.
It would be neat if there was like a Winter Classic for each region to reach out to everyone. Maybe East Coast and the Southern games in the afternoon doubleheader slot, then the West Coast/Canada games are the nightcap/main event.
Calgary would host their outdoor game at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, where the CFL Calgary Stampeders. It would be cool to see a Edmonton Calgary match, but I do agree all teams should get a change. The only problem is that the stadium in Calgary only holds about 35,000 people. It could be done, but don't expect any attendance records to be broken.
I'm personally all for a Winter Classic against the former and the current Minnesota Team. The North Stars Jerseys against some new Wild Jersey.
I don't want to see one in New York, nor do I want to see one in Toronto. They need to get into some more Western Hockey markets.
For the 2nd Winter Classic, I personally think we'll see the Atlanta Flames face the Flying V at McMahon Stadium in Calgary. I wonder if it will also be on New Years Day?
i think an outdoor game in Denver would be sweet. Colorado vs. St. Louis or maybe Minnesota.
You had an interesting point about everyone looking at baseball stadiums. While there are many great football stadiums for a game (Lambeau Field comes to mind), the football season is still going on.
I don't think the football teams would be happy to know they have to play their last two games on the road to allow for a hockey game on new years. Say if they had it Giants Stadium this year....the Giants played at home yesterday, New Years is on Friday, and the Jets play on Sunday. Not sure if the logistics would allow for it.
I would have to say that the Rangers and Devils have a greater rivalry than the Rangers and Isles, mainly because the Islanders aren't very good. I would like to see Devils-Rangers at the new Giants Stadium in the Medowlands, NJ, which is expected to open for the 2010 football season.
One small flaw with the Canada concept: In the winter months the Rogers Centre's roof is sealed completely.
Essentially the theory is that once the Jays are done their season, the building will only host conventions and concerts. So they seal the roof closed apparently because of the high winds that come off of lake Ontario.
This is why they have not opened the roof for the games when the Buffalo Bills have come to town, even though there has been much demand for it.
I have heard many rumors about a outdoor game being hosted at BMO Field as they are expanding the stadium to seat about 25,000 but it still seems too small for me. I'd like to see it a neutral site in Canada, like Mosaic stadium (home of the Roughriders).
Love what you've done with the site. Keep up the good work and the concept posts. Hope to see a freak out Friday soon!
would like to see the caps play on the mall.
I have just begun working on a proposal that would pit Canada's capital against U.S.'s capital. Senators vs. Capitals. I feel like this would draw a big crowd on TV and in person. I am trying to put the game in RFK Stadium, but I am also looking into putting it in Ottawa as well. I'll send you anything I come up with.
What about hosting winter classics in cities without NHL teams, but that are close enough to the current market that season ticket holders could still go if they wanted to. Regina could host Calgary, although Taylor Field isn't very big. Seattle could get a game between Vancouver and San Jose. If Hartford had a good stadium, they could be a host. Baltimore could play host to the Caps, Hamilton cold hst the Leafs. This could work, but if it doesn't, Calgary-Vancouver would be fantastic.
The thing about them all being in baseball stadiums rather than football. The football season is still going on during this time and it wouldn't be practical to try and build an ice rink on a stadium that is still be used. Baseball season is over well before January so the stadiums are unused. Although I think football stadiums make a better viewing experience when attending due to shape, theres not an easy way around it unless the city has an open football stadium lying around big enough for the turnout.
The East/West doubleheader would be awesome. Canada should get one next year. I like the idea of Flames/Oilers or Canadiens/Leafs. The Minnesota/Dallas would be interesting to watch too. The jerseys are all awesome.
As for a game near NYC. "Not sure the Rangers have another rival as big as the Isles." What about that team across the river??? The Devils would be a great team to watch, plus I think Marty deserves a game outside before he retires. The Devils/NHL could create a brand new jersey (pun intended) incorporating the KC or Colorado days possibly. Yankee Stadium, or the new Meadowlands Stadium is a good place.
The game at Wrigley Field was cool partly because the Chicago skyline was visible in the background. Putting a game in DC against a backdrop of the Capitol would be cool, but I assume security concerns would rule it out. I've heard TV and movie producers say they hate filming in DC because getting permits just to cross a street is an unbearable process. So if a Senators/Capitals game is to be played, I think the Rideau Canal is the better locale.
It would be cool to see the pens and the flyers at beaver stadium but considering we (the pens) have already been in one its not going to happen, but it would also be cool to see the rangers and caps on like the white house lawn or something, lol.
if there were a canadien winter classic, i think it should be ottawa and toronto for their rivalry and should be played at ivor wayne stadium which holds 30000
You could look at several collegiate areas right now during Bowl Season, I'd say.
Leave it to Bettman to take a good thing too far. TWO Winter Classics? Stupid, stupid idea.
The Winter Classic is an instant tradition in the NHL precisely because it is so rare -- just one a year.
Look at the Indy 500, people. As soon as there were two -- then 3, 4 or more -- 500-mile Indy car races the original lost some of its lustre and special appeal among car races. (Of course there was the CART/IRL split, too, but that came AFTER the addition of multiple "500"s. Besides, let's not give Bettman any more ideas.)
Bettman seems to be determined to ruin hockey -- or at least make us pine for John Ziegler -- and the success of the Winter Classic has messed up his plans. I'm surprised he's not proposing more than just two!
My vote for 2011 is Montreal vs. Detroit. I'm not a big fan of either team, but they're both Original 6, with huge fan bases. (But I do like the idea of Capitals vs. Sens proposed in an earlier comment.)
Personally I'd like to see Ottawa vs. Toronto on the Rideau Canal. Beautiful backdrop and a change from the stadium; the only problem would be the overhead of getting seating set up.
Failing that, a neutral-site game would be a good change. University of North Dakota's football field comes to mind.
Yankee Stadium cant host a classic on New Years because they just signed a deal to host a college football Bowl game every year between christmas & new years until 2014 I believe. This would only allow a couple days for the NHL to setup for the game and it would not be possible. So maybe they'll play in the new Giants Stadium in Jersey
As much as the NHL wants to put Ovechkin and the Caps on a bigger stage for marketing reasons, I don't think they have enough historical weight to merit a Winter Classic. Before they get to play in one, teams that actually have some history to celebrate should get a turn. Edmonton, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Detroit, Boston and Philly all have dynasties or significant success in their past to justify their outdoor games (Buffalo not so much). Teams like the Rangers, Islanders, Leafs, Avalanche, Devils and even Stars and Flames have richer histories to celebrate than the only-recently-successful Capitals. Beyond that, its not like the district and its surrounding area has a rich history of producing NHL talent, like Minnesota, Vancouver, and Ottawa
I know this isn't the point of the article, but I've gotta say it..... that Dallas Stars jersey kicks ass!!!
It's striping patterns are very similar to, if not exactly the same as one of the last patterns they had back as the North Stars. It looks extremely classic, yet still having a very modern feel to it. C'mon, how did the "experts" come up with the crap that they have, when stuff like this is an option?
The NHL needs to have MN host the winter classic. NY is going to be too busy with Lebron next year to give a rats @$$ about hockey. Everyone is pining for the game to be played in a football stadium well the MN taxpayers just built the gopher football team a brand new 50,000+ stadium and the gopher football fans haven't bothered to actually sell the thing out (save for the opener) may as well use it for something. Plus it would be an all day event in MN, with a high school game and/or the MN gophers playing as well. They have already put a high school game outside for "Hockey day Minnesota" and the rest of the country could get a glimpse of MN high school hockey. For the HS game they could get a little school big school rivalry on the ice (Roseau vs Edina?) might actually give the big game a run for it's money in terms of entertainment and guts/heart. And a UM vs UMD night game to boot.
Answer 2:Tthe 2nd winter classic is the only way bettman will let a Canada team (much less 2 canada teams) to participate. Face it, the Winter Classic is to grow the NHL game in America, not Canada. The game is already popular enough in CA.. DId you see the Edmonton vs Montreal contest on regular US TV? didn't think so because it was televised on cable. Give CA it's own winter classic (pitting CA team against CA team), and put it on Hockey Day in Canada. The diehards would understand and the bandwagon statesiders wouldn't even notice. Keeps the Winter classic a once a year thing for the states and lets canada enjoy the outdoor game
How about a game in Quebec - get the Avs to don Nordiques sweaters verses say Montreal. Could be a good test market for the future move of a team back to Quebec? Bettman said he move a team there if one went for sale?
I like the idea of two games. The American game would be first (noon or 1pm eastern) which would be watched by people on both sides of the border (NBC and CBC). Then the second game could be played in western Canada (noon or 1pm pacific or mountain time). Most likely, at this point NBC would drop their coverage and CBC would start their usual double header. Most likely Vancouver at Calgary. NHL's mobile rink would make the US site and you could count on mother nature doing most of the work at the Canadian site.
I like the idea of having two games..one featuring two western conference teams and and the other two teams from the east. Back to back. For those who say that that would be overkill, clearly have never heard of the Canadian Saturday tradition of Hockey Night In Canada.
Next year should definitely feature Vancouver at Calgary. If a second game is added, Maple Leafs vs Rangers. Each country's biggest cities pitted against each other.
The year after that, I love the Minnesota vs Dallas game. And the Senators vs Capitals.
However, next year will most likely feature the Rangers vs Capitals. The NHL won't keep Ovechkin away from this event for long.
All reports point to Rangers vs. Caps from Yankee Stadium next season.
And if Toronto ever got it, it would have to be at BMO, becasue they won't open the Rogers Centre roof during the winter.
I like the idea of Dallas vs. Minnesota. It would be great to see a new take on a NorthStars jersey and maybe have Minnesota give a throwback feel to a new uni.
Here are my suggestions:
1. Wild/Stars at Target Field. Yes, it's been thought of numerous times before, but it just seems so perfect!
2. Canucks/Avalanche on Mount Seymour. They've all been in stadiums so far. Why not up on the mountains?
Nitpick on the Canadiens sweater: combining the 1946 home sweater with the logo from the 1916 sweater doesn't work for me. That's never a design they wore. Love the idea of reaching all the way back with the Leafs' jersey, though. Maybe since the Habs have had their turn (and a ton of other stuff over the last two years), maybe Leafs-Sens, with the Sens wearing ye olde barberpole? Speaking of having their turn, if we are going to the West, the Oilers have had their day, so Flames-Canucks at McMahon?
I also like reaching back for one of the few variations on the Rangers' design that actually existed -- better than the John Ferguson jersey that the Jets later inherited. I'd buy it. (I own both WC jerseys from last year.)
I don't get the striping on the Wild jersey, but I love the idea of having the Stars wear the North Stars jersey, just once. Actually, I felt it would've been appropriate at the time had the Wild opened their existence with a game against the Stars, in the MNS jerseys, with a torch-passing from one franchise to the next before the first game. (You could also have done this with the Thrashers and Flames, I guess, though I think there's a bit less of a history and a bit less of an impact, all things considered.)
Everyone should take a look at Cole Jones' original post. It has details beyond belief about his idea and this blog didn't exactly do it justice by saying nobody would care about it.
To explain Mount Seymour (which really needs explaining)...
Vancouver is a really hockey-crazed city, and let's face it, it deserves an outdoor game. One problem: there really isn't any stadium in the Vancouver area suitable. The closest thing to such a place is Nat Bailey Stadium, but Vancouver weather just complicates the matter.
The solution? Build a stadium up in the snow-covered mountains that stand just to the north of Vancouver. Mount Seymour is probably the best, although Grouse Mountain could also work. Match them up with a rival - I chose the Avs, athough Calgary is another possible opponent - and presto! A game everyone in Vancouver will want to go to.
If the Canucks ever play the Flames at a Winter Classic, Vancouver will be donning the flying V's. Just to see those uniforms again would be a blast from the past and it's only for one game (No worries about regular season use).
Here's some fun ideas (I have no idea how plausible):
1. Avalanche/Coyotes in either Colorado or Winnepeg wearing Nordiques and Jets jerseys respectively
2. Rangers/Hurricanes in Yankee Stadium with the Canes wearing Whalers jerseys (with CT next door to NY you could get Carolina, NY, and CT people involved)
3. Wild/Stars in Minnesota with Stars wearing North Stars jerseys
4. Kings/Canucks in Seattle with Kings wearing the old purple/yellow jerseys
5. Sharks/Ducks in Vegas
kings should get one. they're an original expansion team and have lots of history.
I gotta go with the AVS and Red Wings at Coors Field .
Thoughts:
1. I like the idea of Stars at Wild. Though, it would pose a HUGE conflict for the fans if the Stars were in North Stars jerseys. Every Wild game has about 50+ people wearing North Stars jerseys. The fans might be torn as to which team they should support. Wild fans love to hate the Stars, but if they wore the old home colors, that would cause a significant internal conflict. It would be like seeing your old girlfriend wearing your old sweater while your on a date with your new girlfriend. AWKWARD!
2. TCF stadium vs. Target. I would pick TCF stadium. The fans would find a way to be there at the game. Yes, the parking is bad, but the stadium is set up for hockey. Baseball stadiums, without history, are not good for hockey.
3. For marketing, this Stars at Wild game would be great because it is one of the rare situations where a true hockey market lost it's team and the received an EXPANSION team. So BOTH of the franchises originated in the Twin Cities. I think this is the only market to PRODUCE two teams. I know there are other markets that have had two different teams, but Minnesota is the "State of Hockey" and the fans are still angry that the North Stars left.
4. Because the Winter Classic is picking up steam as far as popularity, the 4th year would be good to have in a less-than-popular site (as far as national TV viewership) and then go back to a "classic" site for 2012 so as to carry the momentum. So I would propose:
2011: Dallas at Minnesota in TCF stadium
2012: Canadians at Rangers in Yankees stadium
2013: Devils at Colorado in Coors Field (again a former team rivalry)
2013: Penguins (again) at Capitals in National Mall
I think the Crosby vs. Ovechkin would be super popular in the National Mall.
I'm definitely digging the idea of the Caps vs. either the Sens or the Rangers. I agree the Islanders are less of a draw in the area than the Devils or the Caps. Also, I would imagine they're doing baseball stadiums not only because they're not in use during the winter, but I would imagine that the smaller arena makes it easier to watch the game! I'd hate to see what fans in Buffalo had to see in the nosebleeds!
Hate to burst your bubble of the Rangers in the Winter Classic on New Years Day at Yankee Stadium BUT the Yankees signed on to have a new bowl game called the Yankee Bowl between Christmas Day and New Years Day which leaves the NHL not enough time to get an ice surface ready.
@Jeff: What about Shea? Not as iconic as Wrigley or Fenway, but then New Yankee Stadium isn't Old Yankee Stadium, either.
Everyone is complaining about not using football stadiums because football season is still going on. well guess what THERE ARE COLLEGE FOOTBALL STADIUMS they have the size and scale to do it. Why not have one in the stadium the Oregon Ducks play in? Also if it is in denver then why not do what we were all thinking? Avs vs Wild in the Nordiques and North stars jerseys
@FatherJ
A Caps Winter Classic on the reflecting pool would be nothing should of a miracle, but its all people talk about down here.
if there was to be a winter classic in Calgary, it would be at McMahon Stadium. That is where Calgary's CFL team
plays (canadian football).
also, would the National Mall work for a game. I am canadian so i don't know the size, but it doesn't seem like it could fit
grandstands & ice.
Intriguing concepts.
Oddly enough, I don't care for the Habs hybrid style, but the second Target Field concepts intrigue me. The Stars' design is clearly based on the circa-1990 North Stars jersey, although I think the arched DALLAS look kills it. The "M" on the Wild concept looks odd by itself, but I get the idea - that it's based on the mid-70s North Stars design.
what if the NHL took the winter classic to a totally different location such as simply an outdoor rink. No stadium just simply a field constructed to be an outdoor hockey rink. Imagine Eric Staal playing Jordan Staal, Hurricanes Penguins, on their farm in Thunder Bay, Ontario. That would be amazing!