For those of us from parts of the world where temperatures
dip below freezing, hockey is a game that is often played outdoors. Most have fond memories of makeshift
games on frozen bodies of water or outdoor rinks exposed to the elements. But Professional
Hockey demands the predictability of controlled conditions and that is only obtainable
indoors. So when the NHL decided
to move the game back outside, allowing the natural elements to come into play,
it was a big deal. That simple conceptual move sparked a sense memory for a lot
of former “snow day” kids, bringing back a certain childhood magic to the game
that can get lost in tamed arenas. The Winter Classic became a specialty event
unlike any other.
Everything you would want to know about this great event can
be found in Russ Cohen and Michael del Tufo’s excellent book “The Winter
Classic : The NHL’s Savior. “ All
the details of the event from a behind the scenes look at how to the rinks are
set up and maintained, to alumni and current player reactions to dealing with
outdoor elements while playing on one of the fastest and most difficult playing
surfaces of any sport, to a blow by blow account of all of the past Winter
Classics and venues, 2008 to the present, can be found in this book.
