The Winter Classic will not pit two National Hockey League (NHL) powers against each other this year, but the fans gathered at Wrigley Field on Tuesday will have at least one valid reason to enjoy the spectacle: Connor Bedard.
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Before facing the Montreal Canadiens on Friday at the United Center, the second-year Chicago Blackhawks player will have the opportunity to display all of his talents against the St. Louis Blues in a very different environment. The one who will be having a first experience of this kind in his career can hardly hide his enthusiasm at the idea of playing at the famous home of the Cubs.
“We all talk about it a little bit. We’re excited just thinking about this game and being a part of it, looking around and seeing what it’s going to be like,” the forward told NHL.com.
From the same source, the 19-year-old hockey player admitted that his outdoor experiences are rather limited: he nevertheless mentioned having skated outdoors in places known for their harsher cold, mentioning in passing the International Peewee Tournament of Quebec.
“It’ll be a little different for me, but I’m looking forward to it. […] At the end of the day, we’re excited to play a game of hockey. The scene is different, so it makes you a little more playful.”
Not a great season
Holding this event which will be broadcast on TVA Sports at 5 p.m.Tuesday, should make the sad campaign of the Hawks a little more joyful, who have just suffered a 5-1 thaw in front of their home crowd at the hands of the Dallas Stars on Sunday. Last in the overall standings with 26 points, they will have a great opportunity to enjoy a rare moment of celebration, as the Blues are playing for just .500 and suffered a 4-2 loss at the hands of the weak Buffalo Sabers in their most recent outing. .
“We have an opportunity to play at Wrigley Field. It’s the Winter Classic and a lot of guys have never been to it. The feeling is different when compared to a regular confrontation. There is a lot of excitement and emotion. The crowd is huge and the players are feverish. The spectators are going crazy and a lot of people are around, not to mention the concerts during intermissions,” recalled Hawks veteran Patrick Maroon.
A temperature of 3 degrees Celsius is forecast in Chicago at game time. Periods of rain and/or snow may occur, with the chance of precipitation for the afternoon at 20%. The Hawks will be competing in their seventh outdoor game and have won only once so far. They lost 6 to 4 to the Detroit Red Wings in the first duel presented at the legendary baseball stadium on January 1, 2009.
