Flyers to host 2012 Winter Classic

After participating in the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway, it appears that the Flyers won’t have to wait very long to host an outdoor game of their own. Rumors have flown all day but Tim Pannacio has confirmed it: the Flyers will host the 2012 Winter Classic, at Citizens Bank Park, against the New York Rangers on January 2nd, 2012.

While the Winter Classic is normally played on January 1st, the NHL has pushed the game back a day because the Eagles are hosting the Redskins on New Years Day at Lincoln Financial. With the rest of the NFL also playing on New Years Day, it makes sense that the NHL would move the game and attract as many eyeballs as possible.

It’s likely that much of the NHL will be upset that the Flyers get to participate in another Winter Classic so soon, but for Philadelphia fans, this is awesome news. The Flyers and Rangers are both huge draws, so the NHL is sure to make plenty of money on the game and Philly will be in the spotlight the entire time. You can also expect HBO to make their 24/7 documentary for the weeks leading up to the game, so that’s going to be another awesome experience for Flyers fans.

Good choice, NHL. You’ve rewarded some of the best fans in hockey with one of the most exciting games of the year. Philadelphia won’t let you down.