January 27, 2012
The Maven: Where do we go from here?
Bringing the Winter Classic to New York is the next move for the NHL
by Stan Fischler/Columnist
The Rangers and Flyers played in the most recent Winter Classic in Philadelphia. Will the game come to New York next? (photo: Getty)
Unless you're a hockey columnist from Charles Dickens' era named Ebenezer Scrooge, the verdict on NHL outdoor Winter Classics can simply be put this way: They get better every year.
That helps explain why even the calmest of critics was doing handstands of joy in anticipation of the Jan. 2 extravaganza between the Rangers and Flyers at Citizens Bank Field, just off Broad Street in the city of Un-brotherly Love.
Blueshirts rookie Carl Hagelin knows all about the outdoor ecstasy, having played in two such games at the University of Michigan. One of the matches was against Wisconsin and the second against archrival Michigan State.
"The two outdoor games were very different," recalled Hagelin. "Playing against Wisconsin at Camp Randall (Stadium) was the first time I played hockey at a football stadium, but also in front of more than 20,000 spectators.
"Just the walk to the ice from the locker room was way longer than usual, but it was a great feeling stepping out on to the ice with the boys."
That special ambience is part of the appeal that has made each succeeding NHL outdoor classic game more successful than the previous one.
Apart from the fact that Bettman, Inc. has founded a gigantic cash cow with its outdoor event that premiered in Buffalo four years ago, it also has become a sought-after event for virtually every major league club not in tropical climates.
"It's a special event and one I've followed the last couple of years," enthused Rangers captain Ryan Callahan (Rochester, N.Y.). "To get the chance to play in it will be a lot of fun. It's going to be an amazing atmosphere in front of so many fans.
"It'll be the largest crowd I've ever played in front of, so I'm excited, the Rangers are excited and the fact that it's the Flyers makes it much more special."
From a purely show business viewpoint, many marketers have asked an obvious question: Since the event already has played such venues as Chicago, Boston and Pittsburgh, how come the NHL hasn't taken a bite out of the Big Apple?
Or, as Frank Sinatra might have warbled, "If you haven't played New York, then you haven't played anywhere."
Or, if you would rather hear the words of classic American song-and-dance man George M. Cohan: "Everything outside of New York is Bridgeport!"
That's not to say that Gotham doesn't present significant problems staging the event. The obstacles begin with Bettman's need to wing it at a stadium with a minimum of 55,000 seats and one not occupied by the prima donna Yankees.
Well, there's no ballpark to fill the bill in Brooklyn; sorry, Cyclones. Ditto for Staten Island and Manhattan.
Easily the most likely choice within the city limits would have to be Citi Field in Flushing with a seating capacity of 41,800. Apart from the fact that it is conveniently serviced by a subway line (Number Seven/Flushing Route) and the Long Island Railroad, the Citi FIeld parking lot can handle a small army.
"Citi Field would bring the fans closer to the action and playing surface than a football stadium would," explained MSG Network analyst Howie Rose, who also calls Mets games on the radio. "The fans would experience an outdoor game with a indoor experience."
Of course, Bettman, Inc. may be lured into the thought of having the event at Yankee Stadium, due to that franchise's reputation and history.
"Despite problems with the Yankees, I still believe that the Winter Classic should be held at Yankee Stadium if it were to come to New York," insisted MSG Network analyst and former NHL star Butch Goring. "The fans would feel nostalgic because of the history and prestige surrounding the (Bronx) Bombers."
Like the Islanders, New Jersey's favorite hockey team -- the Devils -- does not relish the fact that so far the club has been left out in the cold. After all, the football Giants and Jets play out of a 82,566-seat stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., across from the former home of Lou Lamoriello's Devils.
Of course, having the Devils or Islanders involved would challenge the ticklish issue of NHL politics and which franchises are "more equal than others."
It's not exactly a state secret that this past Winter Classic was the second one involving the Flyers. Nor is it classified information that such renowned franchises as the Toronto Maple Leafs eventually have to be involved in the Classic.
"The Winter Classic is a great event for hockey and non-hockey fans," said MSG Network analyst and Toronto native Peter Ruttgaizer. "Everyone is talking about it and, with the HBO coverage of ë24/7', it builds the excitement for the Classic."
Meanwhile, Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch has been intensively lobbying the Bettman Empire to have the next event hosted somewhere in Michigan if not actually the Motor City. A possibility is at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where Hagelin played in front a record 113,411 fans while skating for legendary coach Red Berenson.
Another question is this: When the Winter Classic reaches the Metropolitan Area, which two teams will be playing on New Years Day? Many argue that the Rangers, once again, would be the natural choice.
"They would have to be involved in the Winter Classic if it were to be held in New York," explained TV producer and marketer Chris Riley. "Combining the rich history of the team and its strong fan base, the Rangers would attract people to the Classic in the Met Area -- and nationally."
Either the Devils and Islanders -- at least in theory -- would be a favorable match-up for the Rangers in the Classic, but the NHL may want another large-market team with nationwide appeal. After all, NBC plays a big part in the decision making.
A New York-Los Angeles meeting is a possibility.
"Los Angeles is a huge market with an up-and-coming team," said freelance hockey writer Jared Lane. "The match-up would attract nationwide interest because of the popularity of both cities."
Likewise, the Flyers-Rangers clash has the makings of a best-yet spectacle. Anticipating his first Classic, Rangers center Brad Richards described his feelings for the clash.
"(The rivalry) is well known," says Richards. "That's part of being us being an Original Six team. And Philly is pretty much like an Original Six club. There's a lot of history there too, so that's what's so exciting about the event."
Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk (Middletown, N.J.) cannot wait for his second Winter Classic experience with Philadelphia.
"Philly fans are really passionate about their teams," said van Riemsdyk. "They really like to do it right, so I know the (fans) are going to be going nuts."
HBO's documentary series "24/7: Road to the NHL Winter Classic" has grown into a must-see show for fans and players. Some would argue that it even has changed the personality of the Rangers.
It all started when Artem Anisimov scored a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Dec. 8. He celebrated by pointing his stick like a rifle and "shooting" it toward the Lightning net.
"You certainly would have to consider that the Rangers are overreacting," explained MSG Network analyst Joe Micheletti. "(The cameras) are around; the Rangers know what this ë24/7' is all about."
"I can't stand it, but it doesn't affect my coaching," said Rangers coach John Tortorella.
Flyers coach Peter Laviolette described the reality-show scene as "a big commotion, every hour and every day."
But ë24/7' is one of the many different elements that make the Winter Classic so special. Most players agree that their favorite moment of the Classic is the family skate the day before.
"That's what I'm going to remember the most, having the chance to be on the ice with my kids, my parents and a couple of my friends," said Daniel Briere, recalling his experience with the Flyers at the 2010 Winter Classic in Boston. "The day was just perfect with the snow coming down. It was magical."
The Winter Classic is much more than an event. It's the epitome of what the game is hockey is all about. It goes back to the roots of the game and brings the best out in hockey.
"It's great for the game of hockey," said Goring. "The enthusiasm is present within every player, and the fact that it's a meaningful game makes it even more dramatic."
Hagelin still relishes his collegiate outdoors experience:
"It's more about the whole event rather than the actual game," he said. "People love coming to events where they will see at least 80,000 people who are just as excited as they are and ready to have fun. These games are really good for the sport and the fan interest seems to increase.
"Many people told me that ëThe Big Chill' in Michigan was their first-ever hockey game, and it made them start following the sport."
Ebenezer Scrooge is not around to pass judgment on the upcoming extravaganza, but this much is certain: A "Classic" means of the first rank.
Based on past performances, the Rangers-Flyers contest at Citizens Bank Park should be the topper of them all.
