The NHL announced Thursday that the Detroit Red Wings will host the 2013 Winter Classic on January 1st against Original Six opponent the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The game will take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor and will be sure to break NHL and world-wide attendance records for a hockey game.
“The Red Wings’ tradition of excellence, Detroit’ passion for hockey and the glorious history of the Maple Leafs create a Winter Classic scenario for the ages,” Gary Bettman said. “The meeting of these two Original Six rivals, at this iconic venue, will lift this Winter Classic to incomparable heights. The demand to be there will be so great this event could only be held at the Big House.”
In what is being dubbed though as the “Hockeytown Winter Festival” the City of Detroit will also host a number of events leading up to the actual Winter Classic on New Year’s Day.
Some of these events at Comerica Park include a Wings/Leafs alumni game, a matchup between Detroit and Toronto’s AHL affiliates the Grand Rapids Griffins and Toronto Marlies a pair of OHL games between the Plymouth Whalers, Saginaw Spirit, Windsor Spitfires and London Knights. As well as the Great Lakes Invitational between a number of college teams including the University of Michigan, Michigan State, etc.
“Mike and Marian Ilitch are deeply committed to their beloved Detroit,” Bettman said. “That commitment has never wavered. The Hockeytown Winter Festival is just the latest example of their passion for their city and for hockey.”
Ref: Detroit News, Yahoo! Sports (image)