News
Fenway to host 2010 Winter Classic
NHL's Bruins slated to host Flyers on New Year's Day
By John Barone / MLB.com
07/15/09 6:10 PM ET
BOSTON -- When the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins played before an outdoor audience of 71,217 at Ralph Wilson Stadium on New Year's Day 2008, it marked the beginning of an annual event for the National Hockey League.For Charlie Jacobs, the day represented the start of a mission.
At a news conference on Wednesday afternoon, the executive vice president of the NHL's Boston Bruins stood in front of a podium at Fenway Park, announcing that his dream was about to become a reality.
The NHL's outdoor tradition will return on Jan. 1, 2010, with the Bruins playing host to the Philadelphia Flyers in the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park.
"I am pleased to end the speculation on perhaps what has been the worst-kept secret there is," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. "In 2010, a unique and iconic event that certainly deserves a unique and iconic venue will be played here at Fenway Park.
"In a very short time, the Winter Classic has become a hallmark event of the NHL regular season. Our fans have turned the Winter Classic into a time to celebrate not just the teams that happen to be playing, but our game itself."
Pittsburgh outlasted Buffalo with a 2-1 win in the inaugural Classic. The Blackhawks and Red Wings followed suit this past Jan. 1 at Chicago's Wrigley Field, where Detroit skated away with a 6-4 victory before 40,818.
Following his opening address, Bettman directed the attention of those in attendance to the Fenway videoboard, which featured highlights of the previous two Classics.
At the conclusion of the montage, Bettman returned to his microphone and issued a promise.
"This," Bettman said, "is going to be fun."
Red Sox president Larry Lucchino and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino were also on hand for Wednesday's festivities, which included the unveiling of an outline of a replica rink across Fenway Park's infield. Bettman said the precise placement of the ice surface for the Jan. 1 bout has yet to be determined.
Ticket sale information is set to be released in the coming weeks.
In a special announcement, Menino declared that the Classic will be preceded by two days of public skating to give fans an opportunity to experience the unique setting.
After fronting efforts to bring the Classic to Boston, Jacobs couldn't hide his excitement on a picture-perfect sunny afternoon in mid-July.
"When I first saw the Winter Classic in Buffalo, I knew this had to work in Boston," Jacobs said. "I knew that we deserved it here. I am so proud today to be on this podium talking about an event like this on New Year's Day. It's going to be very special."
Some of hockey's brightest stars will take part in the 2010 Classic, including a trio of award winners from the Bruins in goaltender Tim Thomas (Vezina Trophy and William M. Jennings Trophy), defenseman Zdeno Chara (James Norris Memorial Trophy) and coach Claude Julien (Jack Adams Trophy).
Boston and Philadelphia have a longstanding and contentious sports rivalry, with the Flyers winning their first Stanley Cup in 1974 against the Bruins. The 76ers and Celtics battled in the NBA playoffs of 1981 and '82, and the Eagles and Patriots dueled in Super Bowl XXXIX, played on Feb. 6, 2005.
On a day when baseball took a backseat to another Boston pastime, Lucchino expressed pride in welcoming the NHL to Fenway's hallowed grounds.
"This is a great baseball town, perhaps as good as there is in America," Lucchino said. "But this is also a great hockey town. And to add to this great hockey town the special event of the Winter Classic is a great honor for us.
"We are really looking forward to this special event, and we will do everything in our power to make this as enjoyable and successful a Winter Classic as you've ever had."
John Barone is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
