After a 2 year delay and a late departure out of Pearson international (due to -50 temperatures in Thunder Bay, yes you read that correctly) we were on our way to the 2013 2014 Winter Classic.
A quick stop at On Route which was turned into “Leafs Nation” by Real Sports proved to be a good call as we surrounded ourselves with other fans from Ontario. They gave us flags for our cars to display our support for the blue and white. Within minutes of driving you could see the 401 littered with flags, on vehicles and all over the highway. Leaf nation was in full force.
Upon arriving in Ann Arbor, you could feel the excitement. Hockey fans everywhere you looked. A buzz filled the air leading up to the stroke of midnight. Canadian fans everywhere taking in this once in a life time moment.
We headed downtown for the Puck Drop that was The Winter Classic’s version of the Time Square ball drop. This event was the perfect touch for many people. The entire downtown core shutdown and filled wall to wall with hockey fans. Through the noise you could make out “Go leafs go” drowning out the faint “USA” and “Let’s go Red Wings” chants. It was a sea of blue on New Year’s Eve and a perfect start to the festivities.
Game day.
Just like many others we weren’t smart enough to buy tickets for the shuttle to the Big House. A one way ticket on the heel toe express with a few adult beverages is what the doctor ordered to cure the New Year’s blues. Just seeing and talking to the fans from all over North America could have left any fan leaving with an experience of a lifetime.
From double fisting to jockeying in lineups that almost forced me to miss half of periods of time to the friendliest of fans I couldn’t have asked for a more overwhelming prelude to the game.
As Canadians we are not exposed to events of this scale. Walking through our gate into the stadium laying your eyes on 105 thousand hockey fans dressed in head to toe of blue and red was absolutely surreal. The snow falling down throughout the entire game made you feel right at home. The epitome of outdoor hockey.
In between trying to stay warm and following the puck through the snow covered ice surface we had to wait until the second period to see some offensive action. Ex Senator Daniel Alfredsson scored the first goal on a two on one set up beautifully from Red Wings captain Hank Zetterberg. James van Reimsdyk scored a highlight reel goal to respond to Alfies tally heading into the second intermission.
Early in the 3rd period, Tyler Bozak deflected home a Dion Phaneuf shot from the point for his 5th goal of the season. The goal went under review however the call on the ice stood giving the Maple Leafs the lead at 2-1.
As per usual the Leafs ended up falling apart in the late stages of the 3rd period allowing the Wings to get back into the game with a goal Abdelkader. The game was forced to OT, where no one was able to score.
The stage couldn’t have been set better as the game when into a shootout which was ended by a shot low stick side by Bozak to give the Maple Leafs a 3-2 ‘W’ in the standings.
The Leafs may have won, but it was the fans that went home with the two points.
I once heard from someone, “you’d be an idiot to miss this one”. In the Winter Classic’s case, it would be rude not to attend if it’s ever is close to the 49th parallel again. Best New Year’s ever.
My road to the winter classic will never end, stories, memories, hangovers, friendships, all will be timeless. 2014 has made a lasting impression so far.
Go leafs Go! You the fans deserve a cup. I’ll be there to help you celebrate with a Mats Sundin smile the entire time.
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