Flyers Not Invited to Play in Winter Classic

by Mitchell Green on Jun 19, 2009 5:18 PM EDT

The Flyers will not be playing in next season’s Winter Classic.

Despite speculation to the contrary, a league source has told CSN’s John Boruk that the Flyers have not been asked to play in the league’s outdoor showcase. The NHL is rumored to be holding two games, one at Fenway Park and another in Calgary.

Also, the Flyers will not be opening next season in Europe. Last season, the Rangers and Lightning started the season with a two-game series in Prague.

This item was written by a member of this community and is not necessarily endorsed by Broad Street Hockey.

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this is weak

whatever happened to philly vs shittsburgh in beaver stadium? i’d love to see that stadium covered in orange and black

"That collision, I didn't feel nothing, because he was pretty much defenseless. It was like running through a cardboard box. Seriously. Cardboard box" -Sheldon Brown after lighting up Reggie Bush

by Beast of the East on Jun 19, 2009 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

I’m sure that remains a very viable option for the league, but as I’ve had to explain to other people, don’t expect it right away. Don’t get me wrong – I love the Flyers, and I’m a Penn State alum, so I’d LOVE to see this happen. But fact of the matter is, there are a number of issues working against this right now. To keep it concise, it’s a combination of other teams in line (ahead of the Pens’ 2nd appearance) and proving the logistics work. I can elaborate on my points if people actually care to hear/read…

I did, however, call that Boston was going to get the next Winter Classic during that tirade. I’m just curious as to who they slide in – after this last playoff series, Bruins-Habs would be a fun one to watch.

"...You know, Reemer, someday I'm gonna own a big sports bar."

by IcersGuy on Jun 21, 2009 3:23 AM EDT up reply actions

I heard rumor that the Habs didn’t want it, which is why they were looking at the Flyers and Capitals, which means it basically belongs to the Caps if all the buzz has any root. The decision is probably based on the fact that they think Ovechkin will bring in better national ratings, since we don’t have a player with that kind of recognition.

However, I’ve seen baseball in Fenway and the sight lines really are as bad as they say, so I can’t imagine them playing hockey in there (and yes, I’ve seen the mock-ups of where the rink will be in there and stuff). I find it very interesting that the Winter Classic has moved into a progressively smaller stadium each year of it’s existence. Yes, Fenway is still bigger than a hockey arena, but the trend is disturbing. The first Winter Classic was the only one in an arena big enough for us regular folks to get any tickets, anyway. Contrasting the 71,000 attendance at the first to the 37,000ish capacity of Fenway, they’ve cut it in half. None of us would ever get to go, unfortunately, even if the Flyers were playing.

by DragonGirl0583 on Jun 21, 2009 6:26 PM EDT reply actions

what

if the flyers were playing at fenway i would go . who wouldnt

by jack is better than asante on Jun 23, 2009 1:55 AM EDT reply actions

They’re not. Thats the point.

Plus, even if they were, I feel like it would be really hard (and expensive, I might add) to get tickets. I think DragonGirl0583’s above post is right on . . .

by Mitchell Green on Jun 23, 2009 2:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Japers Rink seems to think the opposite…

http://www.japersrink.com/2009/6/22/921736/caps-out-flyers-in-for-winter

Swing by The Flyer Frequent. You have nothing better to do.

by Ben Rothenberg on Jun 23, 2009 2:33 AM EDT reply actions

Surprised to see we have the apparent TV ratings advantage. I’m sure we have the larger usual fan base, but I don’t see how we have the edge on a national stage. They have Ovechkin.

by FredEx on Jun 23, 2009 4:08 AM EDT up reply actions