Red Wings to Play Blackhawks in Winter Classic II

TSN of Canada reports that the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL’s second Winter Classic, scheduled for New Year’s Day, 2009.

The first Winter Classic was played at Ralph Wilson Stadium this year, as the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh won in a shootout.

It is not yet known whether the second iteration of the event would be played in an NFL stadium – Chicago’s Soldier Field – or another venue. The Blackhawks have a good working relationship with Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs and could play the game at their Wrigley Field.

Previously-rumored hosts of the game included the New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium and the Montreal Canadiens at Percival Molson Stadium.