More outdoor hockey games are being played every year, and Michigan State Univ. AD Mark Hollis believes it is becoming "too many," according to David Goricki of the DETROIT NEWS. Six outdoor games are scheduled for the '13-14 NHL season, including the Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs, but Hollis said, "I believe that uniqueness is special. The New Year’s Day event was special (Winter Classic). I was concerned when there were three aircraft carrier (basketball) games last year. My concern is when you get too many it just takes that uniqueness away.” Hollis indicated that there "would be no more outdoor hockey games at MSU." He said, "It’s very humbling to see things be replicated, but I like to see things stay special and sustained for a long period of time versus do a bunch of them and have them get boring and non-attended and fade away into the wilderness." MSU hosted the "first such game on a college campus in 2001 -- the Cold War at Spartan Stadium" between MSU and Michigan (DETROIT NEWS, 6/28). Meanwhile, the AP's Larry Lage noted Hollis "made a pitch for the Motor City to be the future home of the X Games." Hollis said, "I don't think there's a better place in America to have an event like that. This city has given so much to the world. It's hurting and it continues to hurt. We have some folks here trying to change that" (AP, 6/27).
