Blackhawks to Host Red Wings at Wrigley for 2009 Winter Classic: Pros and Cons

The NHL officially announced Jul. 16 that the 2009 NHL Winter Classic will be held Jan. 1 at Wrigley Field, featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings.

There are already people arguing for and against the event, which comes as a sequel to last season’s match-up between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here is one fan’s take on what’s good and what’s bad about the game.

Pros

Original Six Rivalry

The Blackhawks and the Red Wings were about as good of a choice as the NHL could have made this year. The Red Wings are the defending Stanley Cup champions and residents of Hockeytown, USA. The Blackhawks are a young team coming into the season with expectations as high as they have been in years.

Together, the teams form one of the oldest rivalries in hockey. This match-up practically chose itself.

Great event for the fans

While I wasn’t lucky enough to attend the event last year, the buzz around the Buffalo area was unbelievable. Even though the Sabres lost, people in the Western New York area loved the whole event.

Those who got tickets brought home memories that those of us who couldn’t make it can’t begin to understand.

Lots of publicity for the NHL

Even the critics of the Winter Classic can’t deny the fact that the event is great for publicity. While it often feels like hockey is no more than a niche sport in the United States, last year’s Winter Classic garnered coverage from around the country.

Good for the 'Hawks

The game will give the Blackhawks a chance to showcase their young talent on a national stage. Players such as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are among the most exciting young players in the league.

Gives the league a big event

It’s true that the Jan. 1 date forces the NHL to compete against NCAA bowl games, but is that really that bad? While it may be tough to draw fans to it on TV, it puts the league on the map with a major event.

Cons

Novelty will wear off quickly

This is probably the most obvious downside of holding another Winter Classic. For every one the NHL holds, the magic and mystique of the original will dissipate a little bit more.

Many fans think that the whole appeal of the event is that it is unique and maybe even something that is a once in a lifetime event for those attending. Do we really want to take that aspect away?

The players don’t all like it

At times last year, the Winter Classic was tough for the fans to watch, and probably even tougher for the players to play in. The ice was bad because of the weather, and it created an often-boring game full of dump-and-chase play and slow skating.

The conditions also made skating dangerous for the players. Former Sabre and current Blackhawk Brian Campbell will be playing in his second outdoor game in two years.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?