2009 NHL Winter Classic
Red Wings beat Blackhawks 6–4 in outdoor game at Wrigley Field.
The 2009 NHL Winter Classic (officially the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009) took place outdoors at Wrigley Field in Chicago on New Year’s Day 2009. It was the third regular-season outdoor game in league history, pitting the host Chicago Blackhawks against the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in the 701st meeting between the Central Division rivals. Despite trailing 3–1 after the first period, the Red Wings rallied to win 6–4. This marked the first Winter Classic to include at least one Original Six franchise and the first to feature two Western Conference teams.
Both clubs wore vintage-style uniforms made with Reebok Edge materials. The Red Wings’ sweaters were modeled after those worn by the Detroit Cougars in 1926–27, their debut NHL season, but with the familiar “Winged Wheel” logo placed on the shoulders. The Blackhawks combined elements from their 1936–37 and 1937–38 jerseys: the design from the earlier season and the chest crest from the later one.
**Host selection** On May 29, 2008, TSN reported that Chicago had been chosen over New York City to host the game. A New York game would have been held at the original Yankee Stadium, which closed after the 2008 season, but logistical issues—mainly the stadium’s impending demolition—ruled it out. Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football, was also considered, likely for a matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers; however, because the Penguins had played in the previous Winter Classic, that idea was shelved for 2009. Initial reports suggested Soldier Field as the venue, but the Chicago Bears objected due to a potential NFL playoff game the following weekend. On July 6, the *Minneapolis Star Tribune* reported that Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs’ ballpark, would host the event. Ten days later, the Blackhawks and NHL confirmed the site and date. While no NHL regular-season game had ever been played at Wrigley Field before, the Blackhawks did play an exhibition game there in 1991. The rink remained open until January 4 for community skating sessions, with $10 admission fees donated to Cubs Care charities; all sessions sold out.
**Preparations** Ice rink construction began on December 16, 2008—eight days earlier than the previous year’s Classic—under the supervision of NHL facilities operations manager Dan Craig.
- Date
- January 1, 2009
- Venue
- Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Attendance
- Not specified in article
- Result
- Detroit Red Wings 6, Chicago Blackhawks 4
- Tv rating
- 2.9 overnight rating, 4.4 million viewers (largest regular-season audience on NBC since 2006)
- First winter classic with original six t
- Yes
Lore & Background
The game was originally reported to be played at Soldier Field, but the Chicago Bears objected due to a potential NFL playoff game. On July 6, 2008, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Wrigley Field was chosen, and on July 16, the Blackhawks and NHL confirmed the site. While no NHL regular-season game had ever been played at Wrigley Field before, the Blackhawks did play an exhibition game there in 1991. The rink was left up until January 4 for community skates, with admission donated to Cubs Care charities.
Construction of the ice rink began on December 16, 2008, supervised by Dan Craig. The rink was built with plywood and aluminum panels, with coolant from a truck outside the ballpark. The NHL set up a Spectator Plaza at the intersection of West Waveland and North Clark Streets.
Reader's Guide
The 2009 NHL Winter Classic was significant as the first outdoor game involving Original Six teams and the first from the Western Conference. It demonstrated the NHL's commitment to outdoor events as a television promotion, with ratings increasing 12% over the 2008 game. The choice of Wrigley Field over Yankee Stadium and Beaver Stadium highlighted logistical challenges in venue selection. The game featured Ty Conklin as the only player to participate in all three regular-season outdoor NHL games to that point. The vintage uniforms worn by both teams connected the modern game to hockey history. The event's success helped establish the Winter Classic as an annual tradition, though the article does not state that explicitly.
Did You Know?
- The game was the first Winter Classic to involve an Original Six team and the first to feature teams from the Western Conference.
- Ty Conklin started in goal for the Red Wings, making him the only player to take the ice for all three regular season NHL outdoor games (2003 Heritage Classic, 2008 Winter Classic, and 2009 Winter Classic).
- The rink was left up until January 4 for community skates, with $10 admission donated to Cubs Care charities, which was sold out.
- NBC's lead play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick was unable to call the game due to laryngitis and was replaced by Dave Strader.
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