NHL Awards Tonight

The NHL will be giving out their annual awards tonight in Las Vegas. The ceremony will be held at The Wynn which is a beautiful hotel & casino -- trust us, we've stayed there! Some of the biggest awards are the Hart Trophy for league mvp, Norris Trophy for best defenseman, Vezina Trophy for best goaltender and the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year. The NHL really has a good number of trophies so for a complete list of trophies, nominees and event a list of past winners for each -- visit the NHL's website and spend a little time learning about these historic trophies and the heroes they are named after. That is one thing I have always loved about the NHL, they honor their roots. Unfortunately they moved away from the old naming conventions for their conferences and divisions and "dumbed it down" a little bit, but the trophies are still in honor of the greats of the game and that is the way it should be done.

Is 2013 Winter Classic in Danger?

As the NHL's Stanley Cup Finals gets underway tonight, something not a lot of fans are taking into consideration is the fact than the CBA expires in September and the league has let it be known that they want to modify if not entirely renegotiate the deal. Particularly, the league is looking to reduce the salary cap, which has grown repeatedly since the last agreement was reached. The threat of yet another work stoppage is not something the players union nor the league wants to consider at this point in time but there is a legitimate threat that this could occur. The players are not likely to quickly accept a cut in pay across the board and the league owners are just as unlikely to allow salaries to keep growing so there is certainly some negotiating to be done in order for the sides to reach an agreement. The league totally lost a full season (2004-2005) and it was not very long ago. Now here we are again looking at the chance that it could be a long time before another NHL game is played following this final series. In addition to training camp and opening night, one event that would be threatened would be the much anticipated 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. The thought of the NHL missing out on the biggest outdoor game ever over a labor disagreement is concerning to fans of not just the participating Red Wings and Maple Leafs but all fans across the league. Fans don't like when the business side of things prevents the entertainment side of the sports world from being showcased. The league and the players union needs to start working on an agreement this summer so we don't miss out on another exciting full season of hockey in 2012-2013.

2013 Winter Classic Tickets Popular Year Round

For some hockey fans in North America, 2013 Winter Classic tickets may be the last thing on their mind during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, however for others it is foremost on their minds. Particularly fans of the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs as these are the teams taking part in the next Winter Classic. As you surely know by now, the Winter Classic has become an annual tradition where the NHL pits two teams against each other in an outdoor game on (or around) New Year's Day. To be clear, this game COUNTS IN THE STANDINGS! It is not an exhibition, it is a regular season game and the points earned, or lost, will count in the standings to determine eventual playoff positioning at the end of the season. The 2012 Winter Classic between the NY Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers drew so much attention that the league realized they need to go bigger and better than ever. Well, in 2013 they plan to do just that. The Winter Classic will be played at Michigan Stadium, aka "The Big House", in Ann Arbor. Home to the Michigan University Wolverines, this gigantic outdoor venue is expected to welcome over 110,000 hockey fans on New Year's Day 2013. Also fueling the fire is the fact the NHL has FINALLY included a Canadian-based team in the Winter Classic. Toronto has a long history in the league and generations of fans who will gladly make the short trip over the border to cheer on the Maple Leafs. Fans hoping to join in the festive atmosphere at and around the game, and to be part of the largest crowd in hockey history, should order 2013 Winter Classic tickets early and reserve your spot for the big game.

Order 2013 Winter Classic Tickets at The Big House

As the NHL playoffs are on the verge of the Conference Finals, hockey is on the mind of all the hardcore fans out there as this is greatest time of year to be a fan of this awesome sport. Another great time of year to be a hockey fan is the winter and what better celebration of this passionate sport than the NHL Winter Classic? Growing a life of it's own with HBO's coverage to owning New Year's Day tv sports world, the NHL Winter Classic has quickly emerged as the premiere national sporting event for the NHL, eclipsing the NHL All Star Game. New Year's 2013 will see a new wrinkle to the Winter Classic as they are finally including a team from the Great White North -- The Toronto Maple Leafs will take on Original Six foe Detroit Red Wings in a game so big, it is going to draw the largest crowd in NHL History as they fill "The Big House". Michigan University at Michigan Stadium is expecting close to 115,000 fans. THAT IS NOT A TYPO! Order your NHL Winter Classic tickets and see this unbelievable outdoor matchup, it promises to be the best Winter Classic yet.

Sign Up Now for 2013 Winter Classic Tickets

The 2013 Winter Classic is officially going to be held at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, it was announced today.

On January 1, 2013 the Detroit Red Wings will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in an Original Six matchup that promises to be the biggest Winter Classic yet.

Michigan Stadium, nicknamed The Big House, once fit over 100,000 fans for an NCAA hockey game. The Winter Classic is expected to challenge and possibly even exceed that number.

Fans can sign up now to receive an email alert when 2013 Winter Classic tickets can be ordered online.

2013 Winter Classic To Be Made Official Tomorrow

Well the rumors are true, the 2013 Winter Classic will be held at Michigan University's Michigan Stadium and feature the Detroit Red Wings vs Toronto Maple Leafs.

An official announcement will be made tomorrow across two separate press conferenhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifces, one at Comerica Park where an OHL game is expected to be played and one at Michigan Stadium where the Winter Classic will take place.

This is going to be a big one, everybody knows the stadium holds over 100,000 fans and with a Canadian team FINALLY involved, get ready for some of our neighbors to the north to make the trip down to Ann Arbor for the Winter Classic.

Sign up now to receive an email alert when 2013 NHL Winter Classic tickets are available to be ordered.

2013 NHL Winter Classic at the Big House?

All signs point to the Detroit Red Wings announcing this week that they will host the visiting Toronto Maple leafs in the 2013 NHL Winter Classic at Michigan University's Michigan Stadium, also known as "The Big House".

Why The Big House? Because it fits over 100,000 people -- that's why!

On December 11, 2010 Michigan Stadium hosted "The Big Chill", an outdoor hockey game between rival Michigan University and Michigan State. The game set a world hockey record with an announced attendance of 113,411.

The Red Wings vs Maple Leafs will be hoping to eclipse that record!

To give you an idea of what the setup is like, we are sharing this seating chart from the The Big Chill:



While it is still just a rumor at this stage, where there's smoke there is usually fire and talk of this game is SMOKIN'!

In addition to the Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, it is expected the NHL will setup a second outdoor rink at Comerica Park so those in and around Detroit itself get to see some outdoor games up close. There's talk of major junior games, college hockey, minor league hockey, youth leagues and more being planned for the secondary rink. This is going to be quite the hockey extravaganza as Detroit looks to live up to the nickname of HOCKEYTOWN.

Be among the fans who get to see this amazing game live between two Original Six teams and for the first time, FINALLY, including a Canadian-based NHL team.

This is going to be the biggest Winter Classic yet, don't miss it -- sign up now for the 2013 NHL Winter Classic tickets alert and be notified via email when you can order tickets.

2013 Winter Classic Announcement

On last night's NBC Sports Network broadcast of NHL hockey, Bob MacKenzie reported that the 2013 NHL Winter Classic official announcement is expected to come down at or after the NHL All Star Game later this month.

The All Star Game will be held in Ottawa this year on January 29.

The Winter Classic is all but a forgone conclusion that it will be held in the Detroit, Michigan area. The only uncertainty is which venue will host the Winter Classic, Michigan Stadium (aka "The Big House") at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, or Comerica Park in Detroit, home of Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers.

The question is does the NHL want to have festivities in the downtown area or are they fine with hosting it at Ann Arbor?

One possibility is that the NHL will actually have two rinks for the event, one at each venue.

The Michigan Stadium rink would presumably host the Winter Classic and Comerica Park could host the increasingly popular alumni game and other events such as minor league and youth hockey games.

Another question is who will be the opponent of the host Detroit Red Wings? The popular opinion is the NHL will finally include a Canadian based team and have the Toronto Maple Leafs, a fellow Original Six team, come in as the visiting squad.

Not very far from Detroit and with a deep, loyal fanbase the Toronto Maple Leafs fans could turn out in droves for this game.

For 2013 NHL Winter Classic Tickets, visit Select-A-Ticket.

2013 Winter Classic Tickets Alert

Hockey fans anxious to attend the 2013 Winter Classic, wherever it may be held, can sign up now, for FREE, to receive an email alert when 2013 NHL Winter Classic tickets can be ordered through leading ticketing site SelectATicket.com.

As previously reported, the biggest rumor is that the NHL will hold the Winter Classic in Michigan at The Big House on University of Michigan's campus. While some fans may fear it being a 'dry stadium' as it is on a college campus, is drinking really the reason you want to attend this game? No, of course not. And honestly, does anyone really believe the Michigan Wolverine fans don't partake in a few drinks before each game? If there's a will, there's a way. But drinking should be the last thing on anyone's mind. Period.

In addition to the game in Ann Arbor, the latest word is the NHL will also put up a second rink at Comerica Park in Detroit so the city itself can host activities. Possibly the alumni game, an AHL game or college games. The exact details are not available to the public yet but the more that leaks out, the more and more this sounds like the Winter Classic to top all Winter Classics!

Participating teams are believed to be the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs but really, any teams are going to draw to this huge event, the fans just love it!

Don't get shutout of this awesome game, sign up now to be alerted when 2013 NHL Winter Classic tickets can be ordered.

Rangers Take the 2012 Winter Classic - Sign Up for Tickets for 2013

In a game that was being hyped before it was even announced, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers showed that maybe a rivalry game is the way to go for future Winter Classics, this game was unbelievable!

End to end action, acrobatic goaltending, more hits than any other Winter Classic in history and all done outside and in front of over 45,000 fans.

The Flyers established a 2-0 lead in the second period but less than one minute after their second goal, New York's Mike Rupp scored on a wrist shot and borrowed the "salute" goal celebration from Philadelphia's Jaromir Jagr. The crowd, and the Flyers, did not appreciate that gesture and will certainly file it away in their memories for future matches against New York.

Their dislike for Rupp however was not enough to stop him from scoring again. A player more known for his fisticuffs, Rupp scored again in the third period to the tie the game early. This was a key goal for New York as the outdoor ice surface was unpredictable and trying to come back in these conditions could prove to be difficult. The Flyers were faced with just that challenge when off-season free agent signee Brad Richards scored to suddenly give New York a 3-2 lead. Stationed off to the side of the cage, Richards cashed in on a loose puck as he rifled it over Flyers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky who was given the start over their own big ticket off-season free agent, Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Flyers found themselves in an uphill battle as the Rangers protected the lead well until Ryan McDonagh took a delay of game penalty with nearly 5 minutes remaining. The Flyers couldn't break through on the power play but carried play the rest of the way after that.

In the closing minute with their goalie pulled, the Flyers nearly scored to tie the game but McDonagh was there to save the day as he slide behind NY's goalie Henrik Lundqvist and swept the puck out of danger for NY. As a result McDonagh was called for closing his hand on the puck in the crease which is a mandatory penalty shot for the other team.

With only 19.6 seconds left the Flyers sent Danny Briere out to try to tie the game with a penalty shot. Lundqvist was up to the challenge though as Briere's shot couldn't find a way between Lundqvist's legs and was turned away. The Rangers sealed the victory after was is about the most thrilling and dramatic way to end a game.

Even fans on the losing side left the stadium with smiles on their faces, it was a magnificent event and the NHL just gets it with this one. Well done Philadelphia, New York and the entire NHL - this event is just going to grow and get better and better every year. Amazing!

Be a part of the 2013 Winter Classic. Sign up for a 2013 Winter Classic Tickets email alert and be notified when you can order 2013 Winter Classic Tickets.