My Friend EJ Hradek has apparently done something that I haven’t be able to do for a couple of weeks get confirmation from league sources that the Calgary Flames would like to host a outdoor game this new year’s day.
Hradek, who works for ESPN, reported tonight that he has been told of plans to turn this year’s Winter Classic into a double header with McMahon Stadium the site for the 2nd game.
The Boston Bruins are expected to host the Washington Capitals in the first game, that announcement is expected to come from the NHL later in July after the league releases its schedule .
I did talk to the Flames this evening and they have no announcement to make and explained that any announcement on a possible Winter Classic would come from the league.
The Flames are celebrating their 30th anniversary this season and could use this to help celebrate the anniversary.
According to Hradek the Flames are expected to play another Canadian team, I have heard whispers that it maybe the Leafs.
It should be pointed out that since the Stampeders are hosting the Grey Cup extra infrastructure is expected to increase the number of seats of McMahon, it would make sense that these would stay in place for the New Years Day game.
It should be noted that there will be no official confirmation on the game for up to a month, so expect a lot of rumour and conjecture between now and then.
Click here to subscribe to Kerr's blog
I think that it is more likely that the Bruins would play the Rangers and then the Flames would play the Oilers! What would be better then that! The ultimate in baseball rivalry NHL style and the ultimate hockey rivalry in Calgary!!!
- Bill Smith