So in case you haven’t heard, the Chicago Blackhawks are going to play another Winter Classic in 2019. This time, it’s reportedly at Notre Dame Stadium against the Boston Bruins. We’re generally excited around here, because that’s what we do when fun things involving the Blackhawks happen.
Not everyone is thrilled that the Blackhawks will be playing their fifth outdoor game in six years, however, something that you’ll quickly realize any time this is mentioned. The people, you see, are extremely sick of the Blackhawks and their enjoying the fresh air and what not.
Year 3042 A.D. Nuclear winter has forced civilization to remain indoors 24/7. The Chicago Blackhawks are still somehow hosting outdoor games
— Chris Godissart (@cgodissart) November 7, 2017
WHY DOES THE NHL GIVE THE BLACKHAWKS OUTDOOR GAMES ISNT THERE A LIMIT ON THESE
— Slippery Guy Borta💦 (@BeachballBorta1) November 7, 2017
no one wants to see the Blackhawks play outdoors anymore. ever.
— Monica (@MVirg_12) November 7, 2017
STOP LETTING THE BLACKHAWKS PLAY OUTDOORS
— Erik Young (@erikyoung21) November 7, 2017
At this point, the NHL is so in love with the Blackhawks playing outdoors they may as well just take the roof off United Center & be done.
— Paul Wheeler (@fourthlinewing) November 7, 2017
Can the NHL just go ahead and stop putting the Blackhawks in outdoor games? K thanks.
— Haley (@haleyismulan) November 7, 2017
DEAR @NHL & @PR_NHL
We’re sick of the Blackhawks in outdoor games every year. Pick another team – there are 30 options. Favoritism is not 💯— jen (@unmatchedsock) November 7, 2017
Even the SB Nation mothership got in on the action:
The Blackhawks are wearing out their welcome when it comes to marquee outdoor games: https://t.co/LIpWioyequ
— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) November 7, 2017
However, there’s an important thing none of those people have considered yet: It’s rather funny seeing how frustrated they get over the NHL regularly scheduling one of its most popular teams, from one of its largest markets, to play in one of its biggest games of the regular season. This is the kind of low-stakes nonsense upon which I thrive.
So instead of not scheduling the Blackhawks to play outdoors at any point, the NHL should keep doing it into oblivion. Do it until nobody, from the Chicago fans to the Blackhawks themselves, wants to be doing this anymore. Sure, we could all be sitting inside a heated arena, but who doesn’t love that early January weather?
You’re probably thinking, “Why the hell would we want this, the Blackhawks are 1-4 in these games?” But consider this — one game in an 82-game season isn’t that big of a deal, and what about jokes? Think of all the jokes we’d lose if the NHL started scheduling Hurricanes-Panthers and Coyotes-Avalanche outdoor games instead. Maybe this isn’t in hockey’s best interests, but hey, skipping the Olympics probably wasn’t ideal, either.
So I say screw it, let’s embrace the Blackhawks Outdoor Barnstorm Tour and have them play outdoors in a different part of the country every year. It’s fun, and it irritates just about everyone who isn’t a Blackhawks fan. Let us cherish these special moments.