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Sunday, April 07, 2013

Hockey Winter Classic Virtually Guaranteed to Come to Dodger Stadium This Winter


Well... Color me shocked and surprised.  Check out what David Pagnotta at The Fourth Period writes:
The I's still need to be dotted and the T's still need to be crossed, but it's almost set in stone that we'll see an outdoor game in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium next season.

According to a well placed source, the parties involved -- the NHL, the Kings, the stadium -- are still putting the finishing touches on the details, but it's "basically a done deal."
I didn't think the NHL was interested.  I remember NHL reps saying that a West Coast game was unworkable because of a time schedule and even recall Bettman (the NHL Commissioner) laughing at the idea.  Now, the greatest gimmick to sports since the introduction of bobbleheads is likely to be coming to the warmer confines of Dodger Stadium.

Woo Hoo!  If this turns out to be true then this is exciting news!

David Pagnotta writes:
For Los Angeles, it'll mark the first regular-season game to occur outdoors in a non-traditional hockey climate. The Kings' opponent is yet to be determined.

Dodger Stadium won't be the only outdoor game, aside from the Winter Classic. The NHL has been involved in endless discussions with the folks over at Yankee Stadium to stage a Rangers' home game in the facility. It's unclear how those conversations have progressed, as the NHL is also considering other alternative venues outside of New York, but their preference is The new House That Ruth Built.

There is some belief that the NHL will stage both outdoor games on the same day, possibly on Hockey Day in America, with the game in the East (likely NYC, around 1pm ET) kicking things off, followed by the game at Dodger Stadium (possibly starting at 1pm PT, 4pm ET).
I suspect we'll hear more about this during the hockey playoffs.  In the meantime, I suggest getting your jersey's ready for some outdoor hockey. 

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Game 6 Game Preview: Ryu to Make his Second Start


Pittsburgh Pirates at Los Angeles Dodgers 

Jeff Locke vs. Hyun-Jin Ryu
Game Start: 1:10 p.m., April 7
TV: Prime Ticket
Radio: 570 AM (English), 1020 AM (Spanish)
"To me, the greatest thing about Ryu is nothing overwhelms him," Mattingly said. "He's pitched in the World Baseball Classic and in the Olympics before. He never seems like he's stressed. He's always calm and collected and confident. One thing I have to keep reminding myself and other guys, this guy was the greatest player in South Korea."
  • Note that both Andre Etheir, AJ Ellis and Luis Cruz are taking the day off from the starting lineup.
Dodgers Lineup:
(twitter link)

Pirates Lineup:
(twitter link)

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* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *

Sunday Dodgers Videos: Fireworks, Jackie, Clayton and Kemp

Here are this Sunday's Dodgers' videos.

In case you missed it, take a look at the fireworks at Dodger Stadium this past Friday.

Video Link:

Via CBS News, "The Trail Blazed by Jackie Robinson."

Video Link:

Clayton and Ellen Kershaw are making a difference in the baseball world, but also in a small village in Zambia. Experience their impact in this heartfelt short-film.

Video Link:

Watch Matt Kemp on Don Le Batard is Highly Questionable show as he promotes the new Jackie Robinson movie "42".

Video Link:

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