Despite the cautious approach taken in the last 12 hours or so by the Flames it looks like it is a reality, there will be a Winter Classic double header with game number 2 being held here in Calgary. What I find most interesting is that the opponent will likely be the Leafs, once that cat gets out of the bag then the national media will be all over this one.
Why the leafs? Simple it is an NHL event and while they would be happy to accommodate the Flames desires to celebrate their 30th anniversary they want it to be a TV success so the Maple Buds would be the obvious choice.
In a perfect world this game would be versus the Oilers or even the Canucks, but to have the event in our back yard I think is going to give the Flames a little boost of FUN.
I have blogged a couple of times this post season that Flames fans deserve something fun something to celebrate, I think whole heartedly that the Flames have tried with varying degrees of success to improve the on ice product, but way from that they have be very boring. Calgary does an amazing job of giving back to the communities in its marketplace, but I am talking about doing something that is fun.
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If Gary wants to sell the game to new fans then they should know the TRUE rivalries that are in it. The Leafs are NOT the best choice for this. This would be for pure ratings ONLY. I thought this was about hooking in new fans long term not just a flash in the pan.
- Bill SmithNo surprises if the NHL wants the leafs. As you point out, it has to bring in good ratings, and a larger North American audience will watch the Leafs as opposed to seeing the Canucks play the Flames. While some will be disappointed it’s not a natural rival coming, I’m sure Flames fans will just be happy to have an event of this magnitude. We may have missed out on AC/DC, but we’ve got an outdoor game. I wonder if Ron Wilson will have proper outdoor attire to wear. If not, maybe Jermaine Franklin can offer Ronnie something from his wardrobe…or maybe me thinking it will be cold on New Years will be viewed as a friggen’ negative!
- Bob in the AbbeyI think this is a huge marketing coup for the Flames. There is so much the Flames can do with this. For example, how many minor hockey kids can the Flames accomodate in a 50,000 seat facility? Also, there is so much available as a pre-game undercard. I heard Rob yesterday kick around the idea of the Mac’s final as a possible preamble to the game.Also, don’t forget, the Women’s Olympic Team plays out of this area, so there are some possibilities there. What I admire as an onlooker is that a few years ago, I believe the Flames became minor shareholders in the Stamps. Maybe I am reaching here for a connection, but I don’t believe for a second that the King/Sutter duo doesn’t have a finger on the pulse of the community, and the Flames were on this idea of an outdoor game years ago. I think anything good the Flames do is not an accident.
- Keith in StrathmoreWhile I am not opposed to a “winter classic”, I am a little disappointed that it has to be on January 1st. What is the reason for that? There is already a significant hockey event in Calgary on January 1st called the Mac’s Midget tournament. Gold medal games are played at the Saddledome. Anyway, I know minor hockey does not register in the minds of the NHL but it is important to the minor hockey players and family. How many people will go watch the Mac’s if the other option is a Winter Classic? Just thought I would mention it……
- SueYeah, I guess it will be fun…Jan 1? does that mean that the REAL winter classic: New Year’s Eve vs. the Oilers won’t happen?
I would prefer to see a real rivalry- Edmonton or Vancouver, but I can see the point in bringing the larger TV market.
I’ll be serving red snow-cones from my tailgate
- rob