Its now Official Leafs Nation, the Toronto Maple Leafs will appear in their first Winter Classic next year and they will travel to Michigan to take on their long time original six rivals the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs and Wings will be playing at the "Big House" home of the University of Michigan Wolverines or as it is officially called Ann Arbor Stadium.
The NHL is said to have paid $3 million dollars to rent the stadium for January 1, 2013 and will be looking to break the Guinness World Record as there should be 115,000 tickets available for the event. I would not be surprised to see over 50% of the stadium in blue and white gear. Brian Burke was quoted saying today "It's hockey town vs the centre of the hockey universe." he could not be more correct.
The Leafs and Red Wings rivalry dates back to 1927 with the clubs having met 4 times in the Stanley Cup Final, the Leafs hold the edge winning three out of the four encounters. There regular season record is as tight as anything with the Leafs holding a 276 to 275 wins lead. The Winter Classic will be the final event of a great hockey weekend in the Detroit area with games going on for six consecutive days.
Hockey Winter Classic Schedule
at Comerica Park
December 27, 2012: Great Lakes Invitational Double Header (NCAA)
December 28, 2012: Great Lakes Invitational Double Header (NCAA)
December 29, 2012: Toronto Marlies vs Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL)
December 30, 2012: London Knights vs Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
December 30, 2012: Windsor Spitfires vs Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
December 31, 2012: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings (NHL Alumni)
at Ann Arbor Stadium
January 1, 2013: Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Get ready to get your tickets Leafs Nation as it looks like the city of Windsor is going to be hosting a lot of Leafs fans on New Years Eve 2012.
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