Speculation is growing that Calgary may be the host for an outdoor NHL game at McMahon Stadium in 2011.
NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, has confirmed that the league is serious about playing a "Winter Classic" game in Canada next season.
It is believed that the outdoor contest would be held in February of 2011 at McMahon Stadium between the Calgary Flames and another Canadian NHL team, most likely the Vancouver Canucks.
The very first outdoor NHL game was held in Edmonton in 2003 and was between the Oilers and Montr�al Canadians.
This season, the 2010 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic is on New Year's Day at Fenway Park in Boston.
The Boston Bruins will take on the Philadelphia Flyers in the shadow of the Green Monster at 1:00 p.m. EST on January 1, 2010.
The Calgary Flames held a practice Thursday, and afterward, several players said they were excited about the possibility of playing before a huge crowd at McMahon.
"We've got great hockey fans, not scared of a little cold weather so I think yeah, they'd be out there, I think it would get great support for sure," said Flames Captain, Jarome Iginla.
"It's great for the sport, and I think the fans really buy into it, they like the outdoor feel, it's like a pond hockey game, but it's definitely something that should get looked into," said forward Eric Nystrom.
Officials from the National Hockey League were in Calgary a few months ago to inspect the facility for its suitability for a large scale outdoor game.
McMahon Stadium Manager, John Haverstock, says the NHL officials seemed to like what they saw during their visit.
For more information on this years game visit the NHL Website.
