NHL Winter Classic could be on chopping block if deal not reached by November
Posted Sep 22, 2012 9:43 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The NHL has already wiped out some pre-season games, and it now looks like the New Year’s Day Winter Classic could also be on the chopping block.
The Toronto Star reports Commissioner Gary Bettman plans to cancel the event in November, unless there is a settlement with the players’ union by then.
A source told the Star that Bettman could cancel the game so the union can’t use its popularity as leverage in negotiations.
The 2013 Winter Classic is scheduled to feature two classic teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings and is set to be played at the University of Michigan’s football stadium, also known as “The Big House.”
There are currently no talks scheduled between players and owners.
