New year, new Winter Classic: Stars to host in 2020

The new year is hardly a morning old, but Dallas Stars fans have already been gifted some good vibes to keep the party going. Outdoor hockey here we come.

Last year (that’s really fun to say) we had a great little debate here at FanSided NHL regarding the Stadium Series and the Winter Classic. Is the concept worn? Do fans really enjoy watching the same two clubs try to outdo each other in the funny beanies department every single season?

The argument at least in my view was that, uh nope. Ratings have proven this out that fans are either so over the annual events or they just don’t care enough about seeing the same teams continuously hop aboard the NHL’s pedestal.

For what it’s worth, there was a slight hint in the debate at who we thought should get a crack next time around, if in fact the NHL decided to keep it going. Prayers answered, Dallas Stars fans.

We can’t help but wonder if this was a long time coming for hockey in the state of Texas or if the NHL is simply capitalizing on the Stars newly found publicity. It probably doesn’t matter much either way to Dallas fans. To the league’s credit the 2018 NHL Draft was held at American Airlines Center, so who really knows? We don’t. Moving on.

And since it will be hosted live from the Cotton Bowl, here’s our next wish: Stick a big ol’ hockey jersey on Big Tex and just leave it there forever please. Thank you.

The next order of business of course is … who will be the opponent? We’ve seen the New York Rangers hat thrown into the ring, which would make sense because they totally never play in these events and they have a huge rivalry with Dallas (can you taste the sarcasm?).

The obvious choice because NHL is obvious would be the Minnesota Wild. Watching both teams fight over who gets to wear the jersey of the North Stars would be entertaining. Until further details are sorted out, let’s enjoy this one! After CEO Jim Lites hurt our players feelings, they (and we) totally deserve it.