The NHL might be hesitant to allow Canadian teams into the game, but if that’s the case I feel it’s one more example of Bettman just not getting it. As big of an event as the Winter Classic is, it could only be bigger and better if our brethren to the north were allowed out on the pond.

I agree wholeheartedly that the outdoor games are more of an event to experience than a game to enjoy. That’s exactly what I thought after the Big Chill. It was neat, something fun to do, but as far as watching the game not so great. I think one of the biggest problems with any of these outdoor venues is that IS hard to actually watch the game, and that’s a necessity when it comes to hockey. It’s what makes our game of Hockey so special, watching the whole play develop from one end to the other. Baseball and even football can be casually watched and usually are, whereas Hockey requires an attentive spectator to truly be enjoyed and I think that’s a big reason it’s so low in the ranks of sports. 

I’d kill for either of those teams to play the Wings. I wonder if the NHL is hesitant to allow the Canadian teams since they have their own (lame) version of an outdoor game during the season. 

I wasn’t at the Big Chill, but I’ve heard the same thing. Such a neat venue, but not conducive to maximizing the audience view. I actually heard similar complaints about Wrigley and the other Winter Classic games. It must just be one of those things you go to “for the experience,” as opposed to watching a game as you would at the Joe or any other indoor rink that’s designed for the game. 

Mr. Ilitch is pushing for Comerica to keep the game IN Detroit, but I’m sure the League will be all over The Big House. How could they not?