Report: Chicago Blackhawks to play Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field

Tribune staff report
8:42 AM CDT, May 29, 2008

An announcement that the Blackhawks will play the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field in the NHL's second outdoor Winter Classic could come as early as today, according to Comcast SportsNet.

However, a Friday announcement might be more likely, as Blackhawks Hall of Famers Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito will be on hand at Wrigley during the Cubs-Rockies game to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh inning stretch.

Chicago's chances to host the game improved considerably when NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said earlier this month that Yankee Stadium was no longer the favorite to host because of a "variety of issues."

The NHL's first Winter Classic was played earlier this year on New Year's Day at Buffalo's Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout.

Blackhawks to play at Wrigley