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If theres a bright side for Red Wings and Maple Leafs fans now that the 2013 Winter Classics been canceled, its this:

The NHL will try to make up for it in 2014.

Thats the word from the Associated Press today as reports claim the league will re-schedule the Detroit-Toronto game for Jan. 1, 2014, to be played at Michigan Stadium.

Its no surprise the NHL would make this move.

To take the game away from Detroit/Michigan and not give it back would be a public relations nightmare. Aside from the prestige of hosting such an event, theres a business side to the Classic as well last year, the NHL estimated the game in Philadelphia brought in an economic impact of $30-$35 million.

It would have a tremendous impact, Detroit Sports Commission executive director Dave Beachnau said of the 2013 Winter Classic. That time of the year, which is traditionally a slower period for downtown hotels and the region from a visitors perspective, certainly itd be a great shot in the arm.

Theres also a number of ancillary events falling by the wayside.

The Hockeytown Winter Festival was supposed to be a celebration of all levels of hockey collegiate, junior and American league and the rosters for the annual alumni game were flooded with legends and Hall of Famers

But the Red Wings confirmed last week that if theres no Winter Classic, theres no Winter Festival.

So while Detroit is probably pleased (okay, maybe not the right word) itll eventually get its game, another citys probably less enthused with the report:

Follow this link:
PHT: Michigan will get Winter Classic in '14