Winter Classic could be heading to Fenway Park

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

It appears the NHL Winter Classic will continue its tour of classic ballparks next year.

The Boston Herald is reporting that the 2010 Winter Classic will be played at Fenway Park, dashing the hopes of Kings fans everywhere who were hoping the game would swing by Southern California for a stop at Dodger Stadium.

OK, maybe I’m a bit too optimistic thinking the Winter Classic would be played in area where winter is hardly noticeable at times, but they’ve played hockey in warm environments before -- remember that preseason game in Las Vegas?

Anyway, Boston reportedly has beat out New York and Philadelphia for hosting honors, and there’s a good chance either Montreal or Toronto will be chosen to play the Bruins on New Year’s Day. The NHL hasn’t announced anything official on the matter but has said Fenway is one of the sites under consideration.

Last year’s Winter Classic game at Wrigley Field in Chicago was widely considered a success by fans and media types alike. And even though it might be a while before the NHL ventures into the Sunbelt for an outdoor game, the Winter Classic is one of the best ideas to come out of the league since Commissioner Gary Bettman took over.

-- Austin Knoblauch