According to AnnArbor.com’s Pete Cunningham, the NHL has apparently approached Michigan athletic director David Brandon about hosting the league’s annual Winter Classic.
Here is an excerpt from the article…
The next outdoor hockey game at Michigan Stadium may feature National Hockey League teams.
Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon confirmed Thursday that he has been approached by the NHL about playing host for the Winter Classic, in what would be the league’s sixth annual New Year’s Day outdoor game.
“We have been approached by the NHL about utilizing our facility for the 2013 Winter Classic,” Brandon said in a statement. “There are a lot of complex circumstances that need to be ironed out before anything moves forward. We will have more to say if/when something materializes.”
The NHL has yet to announce which teams would play in next year’s Winter Classic, but the fact that Brandon has been approached suggests rumors about the Detroit Red Wings being eyed as potential participants to be true. The Red Wings played against the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2009 Winter Classic played at Wrigley Field.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has delayed his announcement of participants in the past. He didn’t name the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers as the 2012 participants until Sept. 25, 2011.
Rumors began circulating Wednesday that the NHL had confirmed the 2013 Winter Classic would be held at The Big House featuring the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. However the NHL, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs have not commented on the speculation.
Ref: AnnArbor.com, michigirls.com (image)
