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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Maple Leafs, Red Wings to meet outside at Big House
DETROIT -- It's been known for some time that the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs would meet in the 2013 Winter Classic. Today, it will become official.
The NHL has called news conferences to make a major announcement today at Comerica Park and at Michigan Stadium.
The Wings were still trying to play it coy Wednesday morning at Joe Louis Arena as they prepared for their game against the Edmonton Oilers, not wanting to spoil the league's big surprise.
"If it's going to happen it'll be very exciting," Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "They haven't announced anything yet, but if it happens it'll be something exciting for the fans. And to have something in this area of this magnitude will be great for the fans.
"I think it's great for the fans, great for Detroit and great for the state of Michigan that they're doing it. It's Original Six, Toronto's not too far, and people can drive in. It's close to Canada. It will be a great atmosphere. There are a lot of Red Wings fans, and a lot of Toronto fans, so if it happens, it'll be great."
Might it be enough to convince Lidstrom to play another season?
"I don't know if this one game will sway me to come back or not," he said.
Detroit coach Mike Babcock also sought to temper his excitement.
"I think it will be fantastic," Babcock said. "If we are offered the opportunity to have an outdoor game, we'd embrace it."
Wings goalie Jimmy Howard wasn't the least bit concerned about keeping the secret.
"It's going to be quite the spectacle, being at the Big House, with 110,000 expected to be there," Howard said. "It'll be great for all of us."
-- Postmedia News
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 9, 2012 C4
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