NHL Winter Classic: 13 Coolest Possible Locations in the World

The NHL’s Winter Classic is one of the league’s premier events. It was founded in 2008 and featured the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins in a snow-filled thriller. 

All the Classic events to date have taken place in either a football stadium or in MLB ballpark. While these traditional venues have worked so far, a special event like the Winter Classic should take place at a special venue.

The ultimate location for the Winter Classic would be some place like the North Pole or Antarctica but that simply wouldn't be possible.

Have you ever thought of possible venues that may include a frozen canal, a European soccer stadium or another zany venue? Here are 13 potential venues that would be cool if the NHL considered them for the Winter Classic.

Rideau Canal: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

During this year's NHL All-Star Weekend, there were tons of activities on the Rideau Canal Waterway in Ontario. Pond hockey is how most NHL players were exposed to the game as children so hosting the league's biggest spectacle on a canal would be pretty cool.

This experience would be intimate and would allow for other games to take place further down the canal from where an eventual rink would be constructed. Can you think of a better way to enjoy the Winter Classic than participating in a pickup game a few feet down ice from the main rink?

Lake Placid: Upstate New York

Lake Placid's indoor amenities hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics and the famous "Miracle on Ice". However, have you ever thought about hosting a Winter Classic event outdoors on one of the many surrounding lakes up north?

The scenic area up in Northern New York state is truly breathtaking. The surrounding areas are full of ambiance and tranquility and it would be a great place to hold such an amazing event like the Winter Classic. 

It would be great if the NHL could plan an event that would coincide with remembering a major anniversary of the "Miracle on Ice".

Red Square: Moscow, Russia

During the Cold War era, tensions were high between the players of the NHL and the Soviet Union. Today the KHL is a dominant league over in Russia. If the NHL wanted to get creative, they could feature a Winner Classic between the NHL All-Stars and the KHL All-Stars.

To make the event more special why not hold it in Moscow's Red Square. The event would be pretty interesting because there likely would be some former NHL players suiting up for the KHL team.

The Red Square has hosted a hockey game before so a Winter Classic overseas would be quite a special event. Hopefully the NHL will participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics hosted in Sochi.

If the proper planning was taken it would be cool to tie the two events together.

Caesar's Palace: Las Vegas, Nevada

Back in 1991, the Rangers and Kings squared off in an exhibition game that took place during 85 degree weather. This location worked back then, so with today's technology, a Winter Classic would likely be a lot more successful in attendance and overall ice conditions.

Hockey is not a mainstay in Nevada but an event like the Winter Classic could help to grow the game of hockey in that particular region.

Alaska

Alaska has produced a few hockey players who are still currently active in the NHL. It is a scenic state, great for photography and it would provide a great rustic and wintery environment for the "Classic" event.

There are many different ponds and outdoors areas where the event could be held but scenic Alaska would be a great place to hold the world's best reoccurring outdoor hockey spectacle today.

Mile High Stadium: Denver, Colorado

Mile High Stadium is the home of the Denver Broncos, but it would be a great place to host an outdoor game. The climate is Winter Classic friendly and the venue would feature high-capacity seating.

Another cool plus would be the scenic surroundings, and the cold weather atmosphere would really make Mile High Stadium a great host for an outdoor event featuring the Colorado Avalanche.

This could be a potential spot for the league's premiere event in a few years so fans will just have to keep their fingers crossed.

National Mall: Washington,D.C.

This event would be similar to a Winter Classic hosted in Central Park or the Rideau Canal. The venue doesn't accommodate many people but it would honor the roots of hockey.

Hockey was played on ponds and many NHL players cite that as one of their greatest memories growing up as a child.

It would be very fitting to hold an event in the nation's capital considering the proximity in location to the Verizon Center and the Washington Capitals.

Lambeau Field: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Lambeau Field is known for its harsh winter elements late during the NFL season. Lambeau has been the difference maker for the Green Bay Packers many a time during their tenure in the NFL so why not hold a historic Winter Classic at Lambeau?

The venue is large enough, there is a great atmosphere in the area and there would be a good chance of having a snowy Winter Classic.

Cross your fingers because this could be a possibility in the coming years.

Lake Vänern, Sweden

Sweden has produced many NHL players throughout the ages so why not hold an event overseas in Sweden? The NHL has held the Premiere Series games overseas for the past few years so holding a Winter Classic somewhere on Lake Vänern would be pretty cool.

It may not be the world's most practical location but it is certainly possible given the weather and climate conditions.

Stade De Suisse Wankdorf, Switzerland

The Stade de Suisse Wankdorf is a football field in Switzerland. It is an open air arena that has hosted successful outdoor hockey games before.

On January 14, 2007, the stadium hosted a match between SC Bern and SC Langnau and it drew over 30,000 fans.

If the NHL ever hosted a spectacle like this oversees in Switzerland, it would definitely sell out and it would appeal to the hardcore hockey fans in the region. It is possible that many citizens from North America would make the trip to see history made.

Central Park: New York City

It is possible to hold a Winter Classic in Central Park but it isn't very likely. The park has great scenery, is in the heart of Manhattan and it would bring a great pond hockey theme to the event.

Tons of people have skated in Central Park but hosting a full fledged Winter Classic event would be truly amazing for the league.

The Rangers have held tons of events at nearby Woolman Rink so involving them would be a major plus considering how popular the team is.

McMahon Stadium: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

The Calgary Flames hosted a successful Heritage Classic against the Montreal Canadiens last season. It begs the question, why couldn't the same venue host a successful Winter Classic? It has strong ties to NHL hockey, has the capacity seating and it is located in a scenic wintery area.

McMahon Stadium was an ideal venue for that game and would be a cool location for a future NHL Winter Classic.

Helsinki Olympic Stadium: Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is another area with NHL ties and it would make sense to host a Winter Classic in an outdoor venue like Helsinki Olympic Stadium. It is a average size arena so it would likely pass the NHL's snuff test.

The SM-liiga has actually hosted two moderately successful Winter Classics at Olympic Stadium so having the NHL take the lead on a potential Winter Classic would only be good for business.

This event would combine a great outdoor arena, a great European fanbase with a hockey game featuring some of the world's greatest players.