It's Official, Bruins Will Host Flyers in 2010 Winter Classic

Confirming what has already been known for several months, the NHL made it official Wednesday afternoon with a press conference at Fenway Park, announcing the 2010 Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins to be played at the historic ballpark.

It's the NHL's fourth outdoor hockey game (and third Winter Classic) and it will somewhat of a carbon copy of last year's game at Wrigley Field in Chicago; Original Six team that has recently returned to relevance after a number of down years hosting the game in a classic baseball stadium. Hopefully this time around we avoid the awkwardness that was "take me out to the hockey game."

The first two Winter Classics have each been a success, as over 70,000 fans crammed into Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo to see the Penguins and Sabres play in the snow in 2008. While the game in Chicago didn't have quite that many fans -- simply because the stadium was half the size -- there were reportedly over 240,000 ticket requests for the Wrigley Field game. It was also the most watched regular season hockey game in years.

Here's what NHL commissioner Gary Bettman had to say about what was, in his own admission, the worst kept secret in hockey: "In a very short time the winter classic has become a hallmark event of the NHL regular season. Our fans have turned the Winter Classic into a time to celebrate; Not just the two teams that happen to be playing, but our game itself. Our teams that have participated have enjoyed the experience. The sponsors we have, great sponsors, recognize the significance of the day and it's powerful reach in terms of reaching the best sports audience there is."

He continued: "Our broadcasters NBC, CBC and RDS, have joined with us to create appointment viewing for hockey on a day that formally belonged to college football. We barely drop the puck for the opening face-off at the winter classic, and the speculation begins about where we're going to play the game next. There's build up of excitement and anticipation that's great for our fans, it's great for the growth of our sport, and it's great for the communities to which we bring this great outdoor event."

It's hard to disagree with anything he said. The Winter Classic has been one of the few (perhaps only?) things the NHL has actually marketed correctly in recent years, and the excitement -- as well as the ticket demand and television ratings -- have increased every season. So much so, there's been talk of potentially adding a second outdoor game to the schedule. Critics, however, think a second game might take away from the event itself, making it "just another game," as opposed to a unique, once-a-year type of experience.

Following the official announcement of the Flyers and Bruins playing at Fenway, Bettman also announced that the league and NBC agreed to a two-year extension on its broadcasting agreement:

"As you know, NBC was a key contributor in the creation of this tradition," said Bettman. "I am also pleased to announce today that the NHL and NBC have extended our broadcast partnership for another two years. NBC will carry the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic from Fenway as the first event from our extended agreement."