The Detroit Red Wings sit in 4th in the Western Conference standing, a good place to wait and watch as the win streak starts again at two. The Wings are a league and fan favorite, even if fans love to hate them. After the Winter Classic, many eyes have turned to the next Classic in 2013 speculating that Detroit is the natural choice.
The venue shouldn’t be a problem if the weather holds true to Michigan winters. I was there visiting relatives over Christmas and was it cold. I’m talking, freezing to the point of slashing to the bone. Sure, Michigan would work, if there is ice. The Great Lakes haven’t actually frozen over in January. I grew up watching the Coast Guard’s big ice cutter slicing through for water flow.
But if you could transport everyone up to the U.P., the Upper Peninsula for those non Michiganders, there may be some down home feel to the shinny. Houghton Lake, or parts of Lake Superior are option. Northern Michigan is a winter wonderland close to the Canadian border, so the draw for Canada would be a benefit. A union of sorts for the NHL.
I say bring the Winter Classic 2013 to Detroit. Ford Field is not the worst option, better yet, freeze over the Big House in Ann Arbor, for a real crowd of 113,000 compared to the 47,000 for the Rangers/Flyers match up. The NHL would love the fan fare of that extravaganza.
Next Winter Classic Location?
Best opponents for the Red Wings for a Winter Classic, who haven’t played, slates the Toronto Maple Leafs as closest geographically. Columbus would be the closest, but I can’t see selling many tickets for that.
Any thoughts on your ideal match-up for the Red Wings Winter Classic 2013. If the Wings are not selected for the event, it becomes another bummer in the hat of the “moving to the East promise.” I’m sure Bettman and Illitch are talking quietly about the future of this proposal.
I think the Blues would be a great match up if Michigan got the next Classic. However, I do think Minnesota could draw a large crowd also so let them have the event in Minnesota.
Minnesota is a great choice and certainly they have plenty of frozen lakes!