Winter Classic canceled - 11-02-12

Another day. Another part of the NHL's schedule fades away.

To little surprise, the NHL canceled this season's Winter Classic between the Red Wings and Maple Leafs which was scheduled to take place at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Corresponding events leading up to the game were canceled as well. The game and all events will be held the following the season.

The NHL canceled the game and events due to the lack of a collective bargaining agreement between the league and NHLPA.

-EN Says: This isn't a shocker. It requires an immense amount of preparation to stage this game and events. With the league and players association dragging this lockout into the second month of the would-be season, it just wouldn't be logistically possible to stage this game properly.

But that doesn't mean this isn't stupid. For a league which struggles to maintain relevance on the national stage, this event showcases this sport like nothing else. It's a celebration of the sport and it provides so many advantages to the host city. Pittsburgh was on display to the entire hockey universe when the game was here in 2011. The same could have happened for the Detroit area this season. Thankfully, the game is scheduled to be held there in 2014.