Showcasing a game in an outdoor arena on New Year’s Day worked so well the first time, it appears the NHL is going to go for it again.

An announcement is expected later this month for the 2009 Winter Classic, the second one pitting the Chicago Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings at fabled Wrigley Field, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported on its Web site.

An announcement is expected next week before the “Blackhawks Convention” at the Chicago Hilton. According to the Star Tribune’s report, the game was approved last week when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman met with the Blackhawks, Cubs and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.

Last New Year’s Day, more people tuned in to see the NHL play outdoors than any other regular-season game in more than a decade. (ESPN)

Looks like the NHL will reprise their successful outdoor game this season, this time at Wrigley Field in Chicago. No word if Tony Esposito, Michael Jordan, Oprah, or Steve Bartman will drop the puck.

I would praise the NHL more for the Buffalo game, however they rejected Gameops.com request to cover the game live….a snub I am still wrestling to overcome.

Stay tuned to see if I will give them a second chance in the Second City.

–cudo