Living in Florida, we don’t get much exposure to hockey unless it’s a big game or the Stanley Cup Finals. One of those ‘big games’ is only two days away: The 2009 NHL Winter Classic at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The NHL Winter Classic is a series of NHL regular-season, outdoor hockey games played on New Year’s Day. This is the second consecutive NHL season with a Winter Classic game.

The 2009 Winter Classic features a matchup with the Detroit Red Wings vs. the Chicago Blackhawks. These two teams are bitter division rivals, with Detroit leading the Central Division and Chicago only a few points below them.

The weather forecast for the outdoor game in Chicago is a high of 37 degrees with few snow showers. Last year the game was played in a near blizzard in Buffalo. The perfect weather for outdoor hockey.

Check out this promo for the game, it’s a great play off the baseball theme of Wrigley Field.

If you’re a big fan of the Red Wings or Blackhawks, check out our selection of Winter Classic Gear.

	Blackhawks Winter Classic Jersey
	Red Wings Winter Classic T-shirt

Apparently Dallas Stars forward Sean Avery hasn’t heard the phase “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Avery was suspended indefinitely by the NHL on Tuesday, after an interview stating – “…a common thing in the NHL is for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don’t know what that’s all about, but enjoy the game.”

It was assumed that Avery was referring to his ex Elisha Cuthbert, who is currently dating Calgary defensemen Dion Phaneuf. However Cuthbert was rumored to be with Mike Komisarek of the Montreal Canadiens prior to becoming official with Phaneuf. Either way, I don’t think he will be receiving a joyous Holiday card from Cuthbert this season.

Avery also dated Rachel Hunter, the former Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model and actress who is now the girlfriend of Los Angeles Kings center Jarrett Stoll.

Avery’s hearing is scheduled for noon today in New York with the NHL Commissioner. Check back later for more details.

Watch the “Sloppy Seconds” interview here.

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