One of the great sporting events I have watched over the past few years was the outdoor NHL game this past season between the Penguins and Sabres at Ralph J Wilson stadium in Buffalo.
After this event took place, there was no doubt in my mind that this should be repeated in a new location every year, somewhere historic, somewhere meaningful.
This is where Yankee Stadium comes in. As everybody knows, it is the storied stadium's final season as the Yankees will be moving to a new home across the street.
Although overshadowed by baseball and football, New York is a great hockey town, hosting three decent local teams in the Rangers, Islanders, and my New Jersey Devils. What better idea than to host this game in the big apple, between two local teams. Can you imagine the intensity of a Blueshirts, Isles game in the Bronx?
Instead, the NHL has decided upon Wrigley Field, another historic venue in a great sports town, although Wrigley will be around for at least a little while longer.
Some could argue that a game between the local Blackhawks and the Red Wings, longtime rivals could spark interest into a Blackhawks team that has pretty much been wiped off the map when it comes to Second city sports.
Wrigley Field is going to have it's day to celebrate, but as of now Yankee Stadium is the place to be, and Gary Bettman and the NHL are missing out on not just any history, but Big Apple history, which is a force to be reckoned with.
comments (2) write a comment »
write a new comment
3 months ago
they wouldnt allow it to be at Yankee stadium, the lat event at yankee stadium is baseball and rightfully so!! Theres no way the last event at yankee stadium would be hockey
3 months ago
There was some sort of drainage issues that prevented the game from taking place at Yankee Stadium, among probably other reasons.
But it's not as if the NHL didn't try
write a new comment