Boston Bruins: Recap Of Winter Classic Press Conference
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time since 2010, the Boston Bruins are hosting the NHL’s Winter Classic. The NHL held a press conference today at Gillette Stadium (the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots) in Foxborough, Massachusetts which included representatives from the Boston Bruins, the Montreal Canadiens, the New England Patriots, the NHLPA, the NHL, and Bridgestone. The game will take place at 1 p.m. ET on New Years Day.
The Winter Classic will feature one of the longest rivalries in sports clashing in what is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated Winter Classic games in history, as well as one of the most highly anticipated games of the regular season. The NHL announced that there would be an alumni game the day prior to the Winter Classic which would feature old-time Bruins and old-time Canadiens players dueling it out once again.
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The logos for the game were unveiled as well and long-time fans of both teams will be able to appreciate the vintage throwback that each logo brings to the game. Both logos, pictured to the right, are far different from the current logos that fans are used to seeing in 2015, and one can only imagine how the jerseys will turn out with such a variation from the modern day logos.
"“The Boston Bruins are honored to once again host the Winter Classic,” Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs said at the conference. “Gillette Stadium is a magnificent setting for this storied rivalry between the Bruins and Canadiens, and the NHL could not have delivered a better matchup for our fans. We look forward to a great game.”"
In addition to the Bruins owner speaking, Canadiens Owner Geoff Molson also took to the microphone to share his piece.
"“The Boston Bruins are one of our oldest rivals and the history between our two clubs is unparalleled,” Molson said.”They were our logical opponent for our Centennial game in December 2009, and to make history together once more by returning to hockey’s roots in an outdoor setting is something everyone throughout our organization is greatly anticipating. That the setting for the game will be Gillette Stadium, home to an iconic franchise like the New England Patriots, only adds to what we’re certain will be an incredible and memorable atmosphere for players and fans alike.”"
Finally, New England Patriots Owner Robert Kraft spoke.
"“It is a true honor and privilege to host the 2016 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic,” The Patriots owner said. “Since Gillette Stadium opened in 2002, we have been fortunate to host many special and memorable events. We are thrilled that the NHL and the Bruins wanted to bring a Bruins-Canadiens NHL Winter Classic to our stadium.”"
Only four Bruins players that played in the 2010 Winter Classic are still currently on the team, and those players are Zdeno Chara, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron, and Tuukka Rask. It’s clear that each of those players as well as the newer players on the team will want to showcase their talent against their long-time rival on such a huge state on New Years Day. The Winter Classic will be sure to entertain even the most average hockey fan, as the storied rivalry will have another chance to cement itself in the history of the NHL, and in sports.