Those of you in warmer climes won't appreciate this, but for northerners and Canadians January 1, 2008 will go down in history as the day the largest crowd to attend an NHL hockey game filled Ralph Wilson Stadium (home of the Buffalo Bills). It was the Winter Classic, or more popularly known in these parts as the Ice Bowl. As a long time fan of the game, I just had to be there and managed to score a couple primo club level seats so that my sons and I could be part of the fun. It was without a doubt a once in a lifetime event that more than lived up to the hype. My beloved Buffalo Sabres lost in a shoot-out to the Pittsburgh Penguins but somehow the final score really didn't matter much to me. Here's a few pics I took to give you a little bit of an idea how it looked.

By the way..I left my HHR in the garage and took the old Rendevous because I was afraid of dings and dents from tailgating revelers. Imagine my regret when I pulled in next to a dark red HHR and then saw a summit white with woody trim cruise by. Next time there's a hockey game outdoors I'll bring Tropicar and let the chips fall where they may!

 

That really looks like a great event. I too would love to go to one of these outdoor games. When I heard that there was going to be an outdoor in the US I really didn't think it would go over well. The previous outdoor game in Edmonton featuring the Oilers and Canadians was greatly and it was expected to do well because it brought back the old time feel of hockey that is part of so many Canadians. Didn't think it would have the same affect down in the US but it seems to have been quite a success. I'd like to see more of these but I really think it needs to be done up here in Canada (or at least have a Canadian team playing.)

 

I would agree with you to an extent. Keep in mind that Buffalo is only a bridge ride away from Canada. The hockey tradition in our area is close to that of our friends across the border..not equal to, but pretty close. The place sold out in about 30 minutes and the secondary market for tickets never really softened...believe me, I know from personal experience! My wallet is still crying! I really can't think of any other area in the US, with the possible exception of Detroit, that would embrace an event such as this. It really brought out feelings of nostalgia for old time hockey such as I experienced as a boy going to see our old AHL team, and memories of playing pond hockey until your feet and hands were so numb from the cold you could hardly skate or hold a stick.

 

I watched the game and loved it. You could tell that Crosby loved it and scored the winning S/O goal. Yeah us rednecks like hockey too!

 

http://www.profootballhof.com/histor...s/ice_bowl.jsp
The real Ice Bowl!

 

If you want to talk about football start your own thread. This one is about hockey!

 

Yep, That was the "Real Ice Bowl"

 

It don't get much icier than this, Bubba!