Blues Owner Stillman Says Winter Classic A Testament To Rich Hockey Community

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman yesterday pronounced St. Louis the "perfect host" for the NHL's Bridgestone Winter Classic at Busch Stadium on Jan. 2, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH. The event featuring Blackhawks-Blues "will serve as the centerpiece for the NHL’s 100-year anniversary season and the Blues’ 50th-year celebration, and it will have a distinct local feel," including a logo that features the Gateway Arch standing east of the stadium. Yesterday there were boards "outlining the shape of the rink in the infield dirt," and the idea of Busch Stadium "packing in approximately 48,000 fans for a hockey game in much colder temperatures took further shape." Blues Owner Tom Stillman credited Bettman, saying the commissioner "was moved by a night in mid-January at Scottrade Center, only a few days" after the Rams announced their exit to L.A. The Blues "have developed a new Winter Classic jersey, but it was kept under wraps." Stillman said, “Could be something old, could be something blue.” Meanwhile, Rutherford notes the Blues have "sold 3,000 new season-ticket plans this summer, which is double the amount" at this point last year (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 8/10). Also in St. Louis, Jose de Jesus notes the Winter Classic "is a testament to St. Louis’ rich and strong hockey community." It also "represents the strong bond between the Cardinals and Blues organizations." Stillman: “We have had a good reaction to last year’s playoff run and to the Winter Classic. We are up substantially on season tickets, suites, sponsorships" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 8/10).

MINDING THE GAP: The AP's R.B. Fallstrom noted Stillman "credits the NHL for recognizing the city sorely needed a shot in the arm" following the Rams' departure. He said, "It's something that St. Louis could use right about now. They're all great, but this is the big one." Fallstrom notes the Blues-Cardinals partnership "no doubt was a major selling point." This will be the "first experience of outdoor hockey for the city." In the days after the announcement in March, the Blues "received more than 40,000 ticket inquiries" (AP, 8/9). 

CELEBRATE TRADITION: CSN CHICAGO's Brenna Carberry noted it was also announced yesterday that Blues and Blackhawks legends "will participate in a special alumni game" at Busch Stadium on New Year's Eve (CSNCHICAGO.com, 8/9). THE HOCKEY NEWS' Jared Clinton writes having the Blues as host of the Winter Classic "carries more significance than simply playing one of the league’s showcase events in St. Louis." It also "offers an opportunity for the franchise to celebrate a major anniversary in style." The Blues' logo for the outdoor game "has been selected" with the team's 50th anniversary in mind. This will be the first time Blackhawks players "don a jersey boasting the logo" from the '50s (THEHOCKEYNEWS.com, 8/10).