Winter Classic to Florida

Since 2008, the NHL has been playing games outside in the winter classic. They have been to some major cities such as Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia, but they really need to come play a game in Florida.

I know Florida is hot and the NHL is so concerned about ice conditions at these events, but hockey has grown so much in Florida that a Florida Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning outdoor game would be perfect. Not only would it help hockey continue to grow in Florida, but also it will get national coverage all around the league. How many hockey fans were not watching Auston Matthews score in OT in the last outdoor game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97rhhBxDjcs

Also, we think of many hockey players coming from Canada and Russia, but there are some pretty good players playing in the NHL right now from Florida. Shayne Gostisbehere of the Philadelphia Flyers and Jacob Chyrchun of the Arizona Coyotes are just a few of the Floridian born hockey players. The more hockey continues to grow in Florida, the more we will get players from Flordida

There are many different stadiums that these games are played in, but why not play the game in Marlins Park. They have played College Bowl games here such as the Miami Beach Bowl so hockey should be next on the list. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx80rWuO4oI

While commissioner Gary Bettman has yet to rule out the possibility of an outdoor game in Florida, it remains highly unlikely. They may never know how great this game may be if they don’t try.