On Ice
The Winter Classic In Buffalo
By Val Porter

On January 1, 2008, I was a part of NHL history. I had the good fortune to be able to attend the NHL Winter Classic in Buffalo as the Penguins beat the Sabres 2-1 in a shootout. It was the first outdoor NHL game in the U.S., but hopefully not the last.

After a pathetic attempt to celebrate New Year's Eve and falling asleep about five seconds after the Times Square ball drop, we were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on game day. We headed to the stadium and stopped at a gas station to ask someone if we were going the right way. We saw two people wearing Sabres gear and figured they were probably headed to the same place we were. The guy was happy to give us directions, but his lady friend jokingly chastised him for not actually telling us where to go…if you know what I mean.

With about an hour to go before face off, we headed into the stadium. I've never been to an away game for any sport, and I have a newfound respect for the brave souls who head into the opposing team's territory. We were loudly booed as we wandered through the parking lots wearing our Penguins' paraphernalia. I'll be honest, it was a little intimidating. But it seemed to be good-natured fun. Once inside, I heard the same reaction from everyone as they walked into the seat area and saw the rink: "Wow, this is so cool."

To walk into that bowl and see an ice rink in the middle of the field, and the snow gently falling, sent goose bumps up my spine. I couldn't believe we were actually there!

It really sank in that we were at an away game when we noticed how badly the Pens fans were outnumbered, and again, I felt a little intimidated. For the most part, though, Sabres fans were cool. One guy in front of us said, "It's cool, Pens fans. This is going to be a great game no matter who wins." We agreed.

Once the pre-game ceremonial type stuff was finished and the bag-pipes and pyrotechnics were over, they dropped the puck and most of the 71,000 plus were on our feet the entire game. It was just too exciting to sit down. There was a buzz in the air that just didn't allow it.

Despite some lengthy delays for ice repairs, the game was a flat-out blast. But it was about more than just a game, it was an event. To have been a part of it is something I'll remember forever. And the NHL couldn't have written a better script than to have our Superstar win the game in a shootout.

I've heard rumors about future outdoor NHL games. The Islanders and Rangers in Yankee Stadium. The Penguins and Flyers in Beaver Stadium. The NHL has struck gold with the Winter Classic. I know I'd do it all over again, and I'd bet most fans in attendance would say the same thing. That's something the NHL can bank on.