The Toronto Maple Leafs will take part in the 2013 Winter Classic on January 1 at Michigan Stadium against the Detroit Red Wings. It will be the first time the Leafs play an outdoor game in the NHL era
Brian Burke stirred it up by saying “It’s Hockeytown versus the centre of the hockey universe.”
The Original Six matchup is expected to draw more than 115,000 fans, making it the most attended NHL game.
The long-time rivals will “take this event to a new, record setting level” according to commissioner Gary Bettman, who also threw down a proverbial numbers gauntlet; the game along with other features including alumni, college, OHL, AHL and youth experiences at Comerica Park dubbed ”The Hockeytown Winter Festival” will bring 150,000 to 200,000 people to downtown Detroit. It is no small feat envisioned by Mike and Marian Illitch.
