Chicago Blackhawks Rumored To Host Next NHL Outdoor Game

It seems to be a trend in the past decade to play a hockey game outdoors.

We all remember in 2003 when the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens and this year’s Winter Classic between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins which ended in a shootout.

Not only has the NHL been hosting games outside, but NCAA hockey has also taken part as well.

The game which kicked off outdoor games was the "Cold War" game played at Michigan State's Spartan Stadium against rival Michigan. The game ended in a 3-3 tie and has the record for most fans at a hockey game with 74,544, just beating this years Winter Classic by 3,000 fans.

In 2006, the Wisconsin Badgers faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lambeau Field.

There have been rumors of many more outdoor games to take place.    

Whether it’s in the 2008-2009 or 2009-2010 NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks are rumored to be hosting an outdoor game at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears.

Who would be better to watch play at an outdoor game than the Chicago Blackhawks? With so much history behind them, they deserve the game. It would only be right to let an original six team host the game. But why not play against another, especially if the two are rivals?

The Chicago Blackhawks facing off against the Detroit Red Wings in Chicago would be a memorable experience.

The NHL isn't the only outdoor game rumored to be in the works, but an NCAA game as well.

Chicago would want to make it more of a weekend festivity than a one-time thing. With a college hockey game taking place as well, possible teams to consider are the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Wisconsin Badgers, Notre Dame, or Minnesota.