Had a talk with a Flyers official recently about the NHL's attempt to water down a very prized package - the Winter Classic.
I was and remain dead set against the league "showcasing" 6 outdoor games next season, starting with the Winter Classic and then moving around North America.
I'm surprised that NBC would agree to it, money, notwithstanding. I feel that multiple outdoor hockey takes away the "uniqueness" of the NHL's signature event.
But this is what happens when $$ meets demand. If this becomes an annual thing, like the ridiculous number of college bowl games between December and January, then the entire concept will have been bastardized.
Anyway, this leads into the story from WJAC-TV in Johnstown about Penn State hosting an NHL outdoor game in 2014 between the Flyers and Penguins at Beaver Stadium.
First off, I don't think there is a snowball's chance in hell that comes off next season given the league has already staged his pre-hype for the 6 games on schedule, already. I just can't see them adding a 7th at this point.
But I could see it happening in 2015 provided that ... they work out some kinks. As I understand it, PSU officials say any NHL game would have to be in December, not January, because the university "winterizes" Beaver Stadium in January.
Let's assume that position is non-negotiable with PSU. Would the NHL really allow ANY outdoor game as a precursor to its New Year's Day Winter Classic?
I have serious doubts to that and when I asked NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, he said it was "unlikely" the league would approve it but not an absolute , no.
Flyers president Peter Luukko said he felt he could convince PSU to delay their winter preparation on Beaver Stadium and host a game in January.
If that is the case, I can definitely see this as an event for 2015 -- just not this coming season.
The debate about having a game at Beaver Stadium has been going on for a few years now, going back to when Joe Paterno was still there.
I have a strong suspicion the reason it never advanced past the discussion stages is that Joe Pa wasn't thrilled about anybody using his turf for any reason other than football.
Paterno is gone now and new head coach Bill O'Brien realizes the university is desperate for revenue given those NCAA sanctions from the Paterno era mess and has given it his blessing.
I think it will happen. But not this coming season.
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