NHL’s Winter Classic Coming To The Big House
Published at
Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images(ANN ARBOR, Mich.) — Get ready for some hockey action at the Big House. The NHL announced Thursday that two of the Original Six, the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs, will square off on January 1st at Michigan Stadium in the 2013 Winter Classic. It will be the first time a Canadian team has played in the annual event.
“We are really excited for the fans,” Red Wings owner Mitch Illitch said. “This community deserves a great event like this. This is one of the greatest sports towns ever and this celebration of the sport of hockey will provide a tremendous positive impact to our community.”
The rivalry between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs dates back to President Coolidge’s administration — 1926. During that time, the teams have squared off 23 times in the playoffs, with Toronto holding a 12-11 series advantage.
The Red Wings last played in the Winter Classic in 2009, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks at Wrigley Field, 6-4.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio