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2008 NHL Winter Classic

Coordinates: 42°46′26″N 78°47′13″W / 42.774°N 78.787°W / 42.774; -78.787
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2008 NHL Winter Classic
123OTSO Total
Pittsburgh Penguins 10001 (2/3) 2
Buffalo Sabres 01000 (1/3) 1
DateJanuary 1, 2008
VenueRalph Wilson Stadium
CityOrchard Park, New York
Attendance71,217
← None 2009 →
Ralph Wilson Stadium is located in the United States
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium
class=notpageimage|
Location in the United States
Ralph Wilson Stadium is located in New York
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Ralph Wilson Stadium
class=notpageimage|
Location in New York
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The 2008 NHL Winter Classic (known via corporate sponsorship as the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic) was an outdoor ice hockey game played in the National Hockey League (NHL) on January 1, 2008, at Ralph Wilson Stadium near Buffalo, New York. It was the league's inaugural Winter Classic game, and was contested between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres; the Penguins won, 2–1, in a shootout on a goal by captain Sidney Crosby. The event was the NHL's second outdoor regular season game (following the 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), and the first outdoor regular season professional ice hockey game to be played in the United States. Due to the snowy conditions, the game was at the time colloquially referred to as the "Ice Bowl" by residents of the area and Sabres' fans. The event was sponsored by AMP Energy, and was televised in the United States on NBC and in Canada on CBC and RDS.

The game, which was played at a temporary ice rink built on the football field, set an NHL attendance record of 71,217.[1] The Sabres held a Winter Classic "house party" at HSBC Arena (now KeyBank Center) during the game where another 11,000 fans saw the game shown live on the arena's video scoreboard with synched-up audio from the team's radio coverage. The Buffalo Sabres Alumni Hockey Team played a pre-game at the HSBC Arena as part of the house party festivities. Buffalo Sabres anthem singer Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem, as is customary at Sabres home games. Irish tenor Ronan Tynan performed "God Bless America" before the game at the stadium.

The success of the event has led to subsequent outdoor hockey games being scheduled and helped establish the Winter Classic as an annual NHL tradition.

Preparations

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Construction of the outdoor rink began on December 24, the day after the Buffalo Bills played their last home game of the 2007 NFL season.[2] It was built between the 16-yard lines of the football field,[3] under the supervision of NHL facilities operations manager Dan Craig.[4] Crew members first removed the goal posts and layed down large tarps over the field to protect it from the weather.[5] Initially, six inches (150 mm) of the nine-inch (230 mm) crown of the football field had to be leveled using styrofoam insulation. On top of the newly created flat surface, three inches (75 mm) of plywood with plastic covering were laid as a base for the necessary piping. At the same time the boards were being put in place, an inch of sand was spread amongst the piping and was then wet by a combination of hoses and timely rain so it could freeze into a rink overnight and be painted four days before the game. Another ¾ of an inch of ice was added to complete the playing surface.[6] Due to the inclement weather and lack of a rink system, Craig later stated that the fact that they were able to succeed was remarkable.[4] The NHL had created a backup plan in case the weather became unmanageable.[7]

After this experience, Commissioner Gary Bettman stated that the League would like more time to prepare the site for the next outdoor game. He also wanted to ensure that not too many outdoor games are held so the event can remain special.[8] This sentiment was further echoed by hockey pundits, such as Scott Burnside.[9]

Attendance

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View from inside the stadium during the opening ceremony

The game was attended by 71,217 people, setting an NHL attendance record.[1] The former NHL record of 57,167 was set at the 2003 Heritage Classic between the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers in Edmonton, Alberta, on November 22, 2003.[10] Georges Laraque and Ty Conklin are the only two players who have played in both the Heritage Classic and Winter Classic games. They both played for the Oilers and Penguins, respectively, for each game.[11] While it was the record for a professional game, it fell short of the then all-time number of 74,554, which was set in "The Cold War" between the University of Michigan and Michigan State University on October 6, 2001. Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller and Penguins forward Adam Hall both played for Michigan State in that game.[12][13]

Approximately 41,000 tickets to the game were made available to the general public, selling out within 30 minutes of their release on September 18, 2007.[14] In the face of controversy about the quickness of ticket sales, an official spokesperson for the Sabres called it "a testament to how popular the Sabres are and how many people want to be part of the event." However, many Penguins fans were left out because they did not have the opportunity to purchase tickets after they became available to the city hosting the event, and they were frustrated by the lack of exclusivity for Penguins season-ticket holders.[15] Game show host Pat Sajak attended the Winter Classic and spoke positively of his experience.[16]

Television and radio coverage

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The game was televised in the United States on NBC and in Canada on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada and Le Réseau des sports. The game garnered a 2.2 rating and drew 3.75 million viewers.[17] Nearly 7,000 seats at Ralph Wilson Stadium were obstructed due to television cameras for NBC's broadcast.[14] NBC announcers Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk stood on a constructed perch by the penalty boxes,[18] while Darren Pang stood between-the-benches.[citation needed] Jim Hughson and Craig Simpson also announced the game from behind the penalty boxes, with Greg Millen between the benches.[19] The network also had an airplane flying overhead to provide bird's-eye views of the rink, including a live webstream from its camera throughout the game.[citation needed]

Westwood One carried a nationwide radio broadcast of the game, as did each team's local announcing team for local networks (Rick Jeanneret and Harry Neale for Sabres Hockey Network, Mike Lange, Paul Steigerwald, and Phil Bourque for Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Network).[citation needed]

Pregame

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Prior to the start of the event, fans began tailgating in the parking lot as is customary at football games.[1][20] Former Boston Bruins player Kraig Nienhuis attended the game and played guitar for fans in an unofficial capacity.[1] There was also an official pregame band, and a bagpipe player led players out onto the ice.[20]

Doug Allen sang the Canadian national anthem (O Canada) and Irish tenor Ronan Tynan performed "God Bless America" before the game.[1] A military flyover was conducted by four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.[21] Singer-songwriter Sam Roberts performed songs from his band's album Chemical City during the second intermission.[22]

Rule changes

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Due to the expected inclement weather, the NHL announced that several rule changes were in effect for this game to nullify advantages to either team due to the weather conditions.[22] The teams switched ends halfway through the third period, and play was interrupted exactly at the 10:00 minute mark to allow the ice to be resurfaced.[23] In the shootout, each goaltender was permitted to choose which goal to defend, and they each chose the same goal, towards the west side of the stadium.[3] There were multiple unexpected delays during the game to scrape snow and to repair holes in the ice.[9]

If the game had been stopped early, it would have only counted as "official" after two full periods. In that case, the team in the lead would be declared the winner and earn two points. If the score was tied when the game was stopped, both teams would get one point, and a shootout would take place right away. If weather conditions made an immediate shootout impossible, it would have been rescheduled for February 17. While both teams were aware of these format changes, the NHL didn’t share them publicly until shortly before the game.[24]

Game summary

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The teams wore vintage jerseys for the event, with the Penguins wearing powder blue jerseys for the first time since 1973. The Sabres wore their old white jerseys, which they wore from 1978 to 1996.[25] The game was part of the regular 2007–08 NHL season schedule, replacing a game that would have been held at HSBC Arena, the Sabres' regular home.[citation needed] In addition to the retro jerseys, the goaltenders also wore speciality masks designed specifically for the Winter Classic. Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller added a retro Sabres logo to his mask[26] while Ty Conklin's featured snowflakes and a Winter Classic logo.[27] Miller also alternated between three toques, which would later be auctioned off for his charity, the " Steadfast Foundation."[26] Penguins backup Dany Sabourin wore a set of vintage-styled pads but did not play.[28]

Weather for the game was appropriate to the winter setting it was intended to evoke, with game-time temperatures around the freezing mark and snow falling for much of the time, especially during the third period. The weather conditions made play somewhat more difficult for players but were well received by fans.[29]

The Penguins registered 25 shots on goal, and the Sabres had 37, dominating the second and overtime periods, leading those 14–2 and 7–0, respectively. Each goalie allowed one goal in playing time not including the shootout, giving Conklin 36 saves for the Penguins, and Miller 24 for the Sabres.

Scoring summary
Period Team Goal Assist(s) Time Score
1st PIT Colby Armstrong (6) Sidney Crosby (37) 0:21 1–0 PIT
2nd BUF Brian Campbell (4) Tim Connolly (23), Daniel Paille (11) 1:25 1–1
3rd No scoring
Overtime No scoring
Shootout Team Shooter Goaltender Result SO Score
BUF Ales Kotalik Ty Conklin goal 1–0 BUF
PIT Erik Christensen Ryan Miller miss 1–0 BUF
BUF Tim Connolly Ty Conklin save 1–0 BUF
PIT Kris Letang Ryan Miller goal 1–1
BUF Maxim Afinogenov Ty Conklin save 1–1
PIT Sidney Crosby Ryan Miller goal 2–1 PIT
Number in parentheses represents the player's total in goals or assists to that point of the season
Penalty summary
Period Team Player Penalty Time PIM
1st BUF Tim Connolly Hooking 4:22 2:00
BUF Maxim Afinogenov Hooking 7:16 2:00
BUF Thomas Vanek Holding 12:17 2:00
PIT Colby Armstrong Goaltender Interference 13:02 2:00
2nd No penalties
3rd PIT Colby Armstrong Hooking 20:00 2:00
Overtime No penalties
Three star selections
Team Player Statistics
1st PIT Sidney Crosby Game Winning Shootout Goal, 1 Assist
2nd PIT Ty Conklin 36 Saves (.973)
3rd BUF Ryan Miller 24 Saves (.960)

Team rosters

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^ Jocelyn Thibault dressed for the Buffalo Sabres as the back-up goalie and did not enter the game.
^ Dany Sabourin dressed for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the back-up goalie and did not enter the game.

Scratches

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Officials

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Future games

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Due to the success of the Winter Classic and its predecessor, outdoor games have been held during subsequent seasons, and the Winter Classic has become an annual NHL tradition. The next Winter Classic was held on January 1, 2009, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, matching the Detroit Red Wings against the Chicago Blackhawks.[32] Winter Classics have been held in every year since, except for 2013, which was interrupted by the 2012–2013 NHL lockout. Five Heritage Classics, one in 2011, one in 2014, one in 2016, one in 2019 and one in 2022 have been held since, with a sixth being planned for 2023. The league expanded its offerings of outdoor games with the introduction of the NHL Stadium Series in 2014. Since the inaugural Winter Classic, the NHL has held 34 additional outdoor games, which included the Winter Classic, the Stadium Series and the Heritage Classic, as well as one-off events like the Centennial Classic, NHL 100 Classic and NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe games.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Burnside, Scott (January 1, 2008). "Winter Classic: We're live from Buffalo". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 4, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  2. ^ Panaccio, Tim (December 31, 2007). "Outdoor hockey to make U.S. debut". The Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved May 30, 2024 – via newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b Podell, Ira (January 1, 2008). "Crosby lifts Penguins in Winter Classic". Associated Press. Archived from the original on February 10, 2008. Retrieved February 16, 2008.
  4. ^ a b Rosen, Dan (November 2, 2021). "Craig retires as NHL's top outdoor ice rink expert, leaves lasting legacy". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  5. ^ "Winter Classic rink taking shape". The Plain Dealer. December 25, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Oklobzija, Kevin (January 1, 2008). "NHL's cool feat installs a rink in NFL territory". The Marion Star. Retrieved May 30, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Sabres, Penguins set for outdoor showdown Jan. 1 in Buffalo". ESPN. September 17, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  8. ^ Erskine, Scott (January 26, 2008). "Bettman holds All-Star 'State of NHL' address". areyouwatchingthis.com. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Burnside, Scott (January 1, 2008). "The outdoors are great, but this should not become a regular NHL fixture". ESPN. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  10. ^ Higgins, Matt (January 2, 2008). "Winter Wonderland for Crosby and N.H.L." The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 26, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  11. ^ "Laraque recounts the Heritage Classic". nhl.com. National Hockey League. December 13, 2007. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  12. ^ "Mike Cammalleri, Ryan Miller Fondly Recall Their First Cold War Hockey Game". NESN. December 12, 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  13. ^ "Due to wind, Winter Classic will have different format than other games". The Hockey News. December 31, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "Winter Classic Tickets Soldout". nhl.com. National Hockey League. September 18, 2007. Archived from the original on January 1, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  15. ^ Rossi, Rob (September 19, 2007). "Fans outraged over Winter Classic ticket shortage". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on October 9, 2007. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  16. ^ Bonanno, Rocky (December 28, 2009). "Super fan Sajak heading to Boston for Classic". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Archived from the original on November 17, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  17. ^ Lewis, John (January 3, 2016). "Winter Classic Hits Lows in Ratings, Viewership". Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  18. ^ Leahy, Sarah (December 29, 2017). "Mike Emrick on calling the first Winter Classic, his favorite outdoor game venues (PHT Q&A)". NBC Sports. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  19. ^ Houstan, William (December 26, 2007). "Winter Classic on thin ice". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  20. ^ a b Wawrow, John (January 2, 2008). "Fans revel in NHL-style pond hockey". The Columbian. Retrieved May 30, 2025 – via newspapers.com.
  21. ^ Bedgood, Jim (January 1, 2008). "NHL Outdoor Hockey Recognizes Service Members". New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
  22. ^ a b "Due to wind, Winter Classic will have different format than other games". The Hockey News. December 31, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  23. ^ Molinari, Dave (December 31, 2007). "Winter Classic set up unusual". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  24. ^ Starkey, Joe (January 2, 2008). "Pens' Conklin conquers Sabres again". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  25. ^ "Sabres and Penguins to sport retro look outdoors". National Hockey League. November 9, 2007. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  26. ^ a b "BTB Blog: Miller sports new mask for Classic". National Hockey League. December 26, 2007. Archived from the original on December 29, 2007. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  27. ^ "The 2008 NHL Winter Classic". Sports Illustrated. December 30, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2025.
  28. ^ "Pens G Conklin gets starting nod, making him 2-for-2 in NHL outdoor games". Associated Press. December 31, 2007. Archived from the original on January 8, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2008.
  29. ^ Dietsch, Richard (January 2, 2008). "The great outdoors". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 5, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2008.
  30. ^ "Time On Ice Report Away Team". nhl.com. National Hockey League. January 1, 2008. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  31. ^ "Time On Ice Report Home Team". nhl.com. National Hockey League. January 1, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  32. ^ "Blackhawks to host Red Wings at historic Wrigley Field in NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day". nhl.com. NHL. July 16, 2008. Retrieved July 17, 2008.
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