2013 Winter Classic: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings

Published: 18^th Jan 12 6:37 pm

Jeff Zeffer
Jeff Zeffer

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Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

After five years of the NHL Winter Classic, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have their first chance to compete in this chilly classic.

The news of this Winter Classic should come to no surprise to anyone who watched the Winter Classic. During this intermission (and after the game) there were talks that the NHL wanted two original six teams in next years classic and mentioned that the Maple Leafs and Red Wings would be the best candidates.

The report of this news comes from the University of Michigan website, which stated that;

The NHL, the Detroit Red Wings and the University of Michigan have finalized a deal to hold next season’s Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium, a source told MLive.com.

MLive.com has also reported that;

To appease Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, a rink will be constructed at Comerica Park. The home of the Detroit Tigers will host other events leading up to the Winter Classic, including the alumni game and possibly the Great Lakes Invitational.

2008: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo
2009: Wrigley Field, Chicago
2010: Fenway Park, Boston
2011: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
2012: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

After looking at previous Winter Classic match ups, I noticed that next year will be the first year a Canadian team will participate in the Winter Classic. My only hope is that in the up and coming years, the Winter Classic would be played in a Canadian city.

Rant Sports Toronto Maple Leafs Feature Writer
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