According to NBC, the Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers held on Monday was the fifth most-watched regular-season NHL game since 1975. The Winter Classic games started in 2008 and for hockey fans these games have become one of the season’s highlights. While most sports fans were watching the Outback Bowl on ABC or the Rose Bowl on ESPN, I was in Philly watching the hockey game with about 45,000 other hockey fans. The build up to the game began with an HBO series “24/7” dedicated to the New Year’s Day Winter Classic. It served as a marketing tool for the NHL and NBC in promoting the big game – and it worked. Next, came the Alumni game that sold out and showcased former players we all grew up watching like Brian Leetch (who happened to play hockey and graduated from the same high school I did). By game day, fans were camped out in area parking lots wearing their team jerseys, tailgating and setting up street hockey nets. Fans of all ages were lining up to get into the game. The game was a great match up which included several nice goals, nice saves, hard hits (no fights) and a penalty shot with under a minute left in the game. It was an exciting game for hockey fans, but lacked the “entertainment” of a Super Bowl. Patti LaBelle sang the National Anthem – but I didn’t recognize any of the other entertainers. The Super Bowl attracts sports fans; people who want to watch the commercials and some who just want to watch the half-time show. While the Winter Classic is a great first step for the NHL to gain the attention of the American sports fan, it will never compare to the atmosphere of a Super Bowl until larger venues are chosen, better entertainment is hired and more sponsors sign on. Regardless, I am still a big fan of the Winter Classic.
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