Freddie P's Blog

January 2, 2010 @ 11:02

I've got to admit, I loved watching the Winter Classic from Fenway Park yesterday. It was a fabulous spectacle from beginning to end, and what an end.

An overtime victory by the home team in front of 38 thousand hockey nuts was fantastic.

I really don't know how anyone could be a critic of this game. The NHL has done a fine job in creating and promoting this event, and the fans eat it up.

Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of Gary Bettman, and I don't like the way we seem to be losing our Canadian grip on the game, but the Winter Classic gets huge attention in the United States and puts a unique spotlight on our sport.

It's warm and fuzzy and down to earth and although most of us have played the game outside, to most Americans hockey outside is rather unqiue.

Having said all that, I have an idea. Actually, it was Neighbour John's idea.

While watching the game yesterday we were talking about possible venues in Toronto and we came up empty. The Dome roof can't really be opened in the winter, and BMO Field has no tradition or history - but then John came up with this.

How about Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton?

It 's the perfect configuration, it could hold upwards of 30 thousand, and it would be a fitting gesture to the people of Hamilton who've been kicked in the nuts by the NHL far too many times over the years.

A game between the Leafs and Habs, who are the parent team of Hamilton's AHL team would be a wonderful spectacle for the people of Steeltown.

And I'd go this far. Initially I'd make tickets available "only" to residents of Hamilton, again as a gesture of all the bullshit Hamilton has put up with. If there were any left over after that, then put them on general sale.

Of course there is one large problem with all of this - Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment. They wouldn't want to give up a home date at the ACC, so to appease everyone, tickets would probably have to go to season ticket holders first, and the prices would probably be jacked through the roof.

MLSE would probably turn it into something distasteful.

But generally, it's a nice thought don't ya think?