Wed Jul 16 14:34:14 2008

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Blackhawks, Red Wings to play outdoor game

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago Blackhawks and the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings will play at Wrigley Field on New Year's Day in the league's second outdoor Winter Classic.

"We have said from the start we are going to do everything possible to bring the Chicago Blackhawks back to the forefront of sports for our fans and the city of Chicago," stated Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell Wirtz. "This is indeed an historic announcement for the Wirtz Corporation, the Chicago Blackhawks, for our players, fans and for Chicago."

Last New Year's Day, Sidney Crosby scored on the final chance of the shootout to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in the first NHL game played outdoors in the United States.

The game was played before an NHL-record crowd of 71,217 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York -- home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.