Winter Classic in Los Angeles? Second outdoor game possible at Dodger Stadium

On the same date the NHL announced the return of their signature Winter Classic, reports are emerging that an additional outdoor game is in the works.

Player agent and general source of entertainment Allan Walsh is reporting that the league has completed a deal to play an outdoor hockey game in Los Angeles. According to Walsh, the game would be played at Dodger Stadium in LA on Hockey Day in America, NBC's annual showcase for the sport across the United States. Hockey Day typically takes place in February, but will likely be moved to either early February or late February/early March to make accommodations for the Olympics, which will shut down the NHL season for two weeks should players participate.

The NHL has held a Winter Classic five times before, with a sixth coming on Jan. 1, 2014 in Ann Arbor, Mich. between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have also played two Heritage Classics in Canada in 2003 and 2011. One would assume this a separate event, but the only details we have to date are the ones given by Walsh. This would be, by far, the furthest south the NHL has gone for an outdoor game (previously the lowest point in North America to hold the game was Philly), and the furthest west (Edmonton and Calgary hosted the two Heritage Classics).

The Kings, who would likely host the game, have some experience as a franchise playing in outdoor games. On Sept. 27, 1991, the team played a pre-season game against the New York Rangers outside of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. The game was played in the parking lot before a crowd of 13,000. One would assume more people will head to Chavez Ravine next February or March. Dodger Stadium has recently begun a $100 million renovation project, so it would be a perfect time to show off the new features during a unique event.