NHL Winter Classic 2013: Detroit to Host Toronto at Big House

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman officially confirmed that the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs will be featured in the 2013 Winter Classic, according to the league's official website.

The game will take place inside Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House.” While it's long been rumored this would be next year's marquee regular season game, the NHL wouldn't confirm that speculation until today.

What It Means

Since the Winter Classic continues to provide a big boost to the NHL, it's no surprise to see the league setting up another installment of the event. The outdoor clash is always well received by sports fans, even if they don't watch hockey on a regular basis.

It's nice to see two original six teams matching up in the game. The old rivals will be able to rekindle some of that past intensity and the college atmosphere will make the game even more memorable for everybody involved.

It should help that the Red Wings are perennial contenders and the Maple Leafs are finally a team on the rise. Even though playing outdoors is the main attraction, a good hockey game is necessary for it to be considered a success.

Playing at Michigan Stadium should ensure the record for most people at a Winter Classic is broken. Buffalo attracted over 71,000 for the first one in 2008, but there is the potential to have well over 100,000 on New Year's Day 2013.

The potential is high, now Detroit must deliver the goods.

What Happens Next?

Since there are about 11 months until the actual game, the Red Wings have some time to start thinking of ways to make their version of the event unique. Hosts will need to start getting more creative in the planning stages for the Winter Classic to remain successful.

Detroit is known as “Hockeytown,” so it has quite a reputation to uphold. Fans will be flocking from all over the country for a chance to experience the atmosphere, which puts a lot of pressure on the organizers to ensure it's the best one to date.

There's no reason it shouldn't be considering all the surrounding circumstances, but one thing that's always necessary is good weather. It's a hockey game after all, which is why a little bit of snowfall adds to the terrific scene.

Look for more details about the event to slowly start trickling out over the next couple months as plans begin to get finalized and the waiting game begins.

I have a feeling Detroit won't disappoint.