2013 Winter Classic to be Hosted by Detroit

So, if you haven't heard by now, there's a "major announcement" in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan later today/early this morning. Just like last year in Philadelphia, it's the worst kept secret that the announcement will be that the Winter Classic will be in Michigan next year, featuring the hometown Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. This is good for the league and for the state of Michigan. It's win-win, really.

The NHL will get a ton of publicity having the outdoor event at Michigan Stadium with over 100,000 people surely attending. Also, throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of other outdoor games going on in Detroit at Comerica Park. The Great Lakes Invitational, usually held at Joe Louis Arena, will be a feature that weekend, along with a couple OHL games, an AHL game featuring the Marlies and Griffins (the Leafs and Wings respective AHL teams), and also the ever famous alumni game. You think Stevie Y will take a break from managing down in Florida to play? That'd be pretty interesting, to say the least. Perhaps a regrouping of the Russian Five? Or maybe Wendel Clark, Dougie Gilmour, or any other past Leafs? I can't begin to fathom the revenue that will be brought in from all those events. No matter what, that weekend surely won't disappoint.

One other thing: HBO's 24/7 might be the best yet next season with these two teams. Ron Wilson, Brian Burke, Mike Babcock...three guys that aren't afraid to say what they feel, all uncensored and on camera? Hoo, boy. Laviolette and Tortorella will definitely have some competition, that's for sure.

Anyways, cheers to you, Michigan. Now let's hope the weather is a little more wintery than in Philadelphia this season.





A view of an outdoor game at Michigan Stadium between Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.