Big hurdle is cleared; Michigan regents say OK to Winter Classic
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A person familiar with the NHL's plan said the Detroit Red Wings will play the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 Winter Classic.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday because the league is not expected to announce the matchup until today.
Earlier Wednesday, the University of Michigan Board of Regents authorized the athletic department to seek a contract with the NHL that would allow the league to hold the showcase game at Michigan Stadium. The NHL has offered to pay up to $3 million for a license to use the iconic college football stadium, according to the recommendation approved by the board.
The recommendation also said the Winter Classic would be scheduled for Jan. 1, 2013, with Jan. 2 as an alternate date. A liquor license would be obtained so alcohol could be served at the event, and the NHL would bring its "advertising and other sponsorship arrangements" into the stadium.
Buffalo, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have all hosted the Winter Classic, but a game at Michigan Stadium has the potential draw the league's largest crowd.
The Wolverines and rival Michigan State attracted a Guinness World Record crowd of 104,173 for a hockey game Dec. 11, 2010.
The Winter Classic at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park this year drew 46,967, and the New York Rangers beat the host Flyers, 3-2.
No Canadian team has participated in a Winter Classic, although there have been two outdoor Heritage Classics north of the border: Montreal at Edmonton in '03, and Montreal at Calgary last year.
The game at Edmonton was the league's first outdoor regular-season game, although it came two years after Michigan State hosted Michigan in an outdoor hockey game at the Spartans' football stadium in front of 74,544 people.
Those teams met nearly a decade later in Ann Arbor and smashed the world attendance record. At that point, Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said the event was unlikely to become an annual tradition, but it could potentially be played in four-year cycles so future generations of Michigan players could participate.
The venerable Big House has undergone changes recently, such as the addition of permanent lights. Michigan played host to its first prime-time football game at the stadium last season.
Walking slowly and stiffly, Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff made his way to the coach's box to watch his team play the Boston Bruins Wednesday night, two days after he broke three ribs during a collision in practice.
"I'm doing OK," he said with a laugh about 15 minutes before the game. "I'm vertical."
Ruff was dressed in a suit, but he appeared to have something wrapped underneath his shirt.
It was Ruff's first appearance at the Sabres' home arena since he was hurt during an accident late in practice Monday, when his feet were taken out from under him by former Penguins defenseman Jordan Leopold , who slid into the coach from behind.
Ruff did not attend practice Tuesday, and it is unclear when he can fully resume his coaching duties. Assistant James Patrick is acting as interim coach on the bench. He has not been cleared to work behind the bench yet for fear that he might be struck by a puck.
The Sabres initially considered having Ruff watch the game from his office, but, by being in the coach's box, he was able to communicate with the bench through a wireless headset.
Calgary announced the re-signing of defenseman Derek Smith to a $1.55 million, two-year contract. Smith, currently sidelined with an ankle injury, has two goals and eight assists in 32 games this season.
First Published February 9, 2012 12:00 am
