Exciting news for the Chicago Blackhawks as they are named as the hosts for the 2025 Winter Classic. The site? None other than historic Wrigley Field on the North Side of the Windy City. The opponents? Their old Norris Division rivals, the St. Louis Blues. This will be a tremendous chance to showcase one of the NHL’s next great stars, the Blackhawks own, Connor Bedard.
2025 Winter Classic Sees the Blackhawks Take on the Blues
For Bedard, he has been living his best life, star-struck at this past weekend’s NHL All-Star festivities. He seemed to be taking it all in, despite being unable to play in the main game with a jaw injury sustained back on January 5th, 2024. From All-Star appearances or great performances at the World Juniors tournament, Bedard is used to shining on the biggest stages. This will be a great opportunity. And speaking of stars, after the All-Star selection for the Blues Robert Thomas, he looks to continue prove to the hockey world that he has established himself as a force as well.
A Little Winter Classic History Ahead of the 2025 Event
As for the venue, the 2025 Winter Classic will be the second time Wrigley Field will host these events. Before the Hawks early 2010s dynasty took off, they played host to the Detroit Red Wings back in 2009. The Hawks would go on to lose to the Wings in that contest, 6-4. However, it did mean a changing of the guard. The Wings were the defending Stanley Cup Champions at the time of that game. They had also won in 1997, 1998, and 2002. The Blackhawks would go on to win the 2010, 2013, and 2015 Stanley Cup Championships.
Furthermore, this will mark the sixth time that the Blackhawks will play in an outdoor game. For the Blues, it marks their third such event. Interestingly enough, this will be a rematch for the two clubs from the 2017 Winter Classic. The clubs met at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, only to see the Blues come out triumphant 4-1. These games are always a great way to kick-start the season, and great for TV audiences. So far for 2023-24, Bedard’s NHL debut was the most watched game, will this game live up to the hype and exceed expectations? You will have to wait, but tune in to find out.
Main photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
