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After months of suspense, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made a Monday afternoon trip to Citizens Bank Park, I Citizen Bank Way, to officially announce that the Philadelphia Flyers will be hosting the New York Rangers 1 p.m. Jan. 2 in the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic. Yes, there will be an outdoor hockey game in Philadelphia.
“The NHL Winter Classic is arguably the biggest game played during the NHL’s regular season and it is a wonderful platform to feature our great sport to millions of worldwide viewers,” Comcast-Spectacor Chairman and Philadelphia Flyers founder Ed Snider said. “It’s an honor for the Philadelphia Flyers to serve as ambassadors for the NHL. We look forward to hosting the Winter Classic in Philadelphia and showcasing our great city to hockey fans throughout North America .”
Several other hockey related events will be taking place in conjunction with the Winter Classic festivities. On Jan. 6 at 7 p.m., the Adirondack Phantoms will be returning to the City of Brotherly Love to host the Hershey Bears. There also will be an alumni game between the Rangers and Flyers 1 p.m. Dec. 31. Citizens Bank Park will be the third baseball stadium to host the Winter Classic. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are the others.
To submit your sports brief, e-mail Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com.
