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Today in Hockey History: Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings Set for 2009 Winter Classic

Training camps are back, but we at Last Word on Hockey are still going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for July 22nd, featuring the 2009 Winter Classic.

Today in Hockey History

Red Wings, Blackhawks to Play in 2009 Winter Classic

2008: Commissioner Gary Bettman announces that the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks will play in the 2009 Winter Classic. Historic Wrigley Field hosts the event between the two rivals. It’s the third outdoor game in NHL history.

Detroit wins a wild 6-4 game over Chicago in frigid temperatures. Both teams wore jerseys from the mid 1930s when the rivalry kicked into high gear. Jiri Hudler scored twice and added an assist to give the Red Wings the victory.

Other Notable Events

1980: The New York Rangers name Craig Patrick as Director of Hockey Operations. Patrick adds the title of general manager later in his tenure.

1988: The Washington Capitals trade Greg Adams to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for the rights to Geoff Courtnall.

1952: Chicago purchases future Hall of Famer Sid Abel from Detroit. He only scores five goals in 39 games with the Black Hawks in the 1952-53.

1996: Washington signs free agent defenceman Phil Housley. He plays two seasons with the Capitals and scores 11 goals in 1996-97.

2003: Veteran Mike Sillinger is traded twice in one day. Sillinger is dealt by the Columbus Blue Jackets and a second-round pick to the Dallas Stars for Darryl Sydor. The centre is flipped with a conditional pic to the Phoenix Coyotes. Phoenix sends Finnish defenceman Teppo Numminen in return. The Coyotes are the ninth of 12 teams that Sillinger will play for in his career.

2004: The Blackhawks sign free agent Jassen Cullimore from the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scores one goal in each of his two seasons with the team before going to the Florida Panthers.