2015 NHL Winter Classic: Blackhawks vs. Capitals Preview

There’s not many things in the world much better than being able to watch a hockey game outside in the fresh air, even if it is in the dead of winter. The 2015 NHL Winter Classic will be one for the books with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Washington Capitals going head to head at Nationals Park in Washington D.C.

With just a few weeks to go until the New Year’s Day game, the anticipation had grown to see some of the biggest stars – including Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Alex Ovechkin – go head to head. The showing will be available nationally on NBC for the all of United States fans and on TVA and CBC in Canada on 1 p.m. ET on Jan. 1.

2015 Winter Classic.
Jonathan Toews models the 2015 Chicago Blackhawks Winter Classic uniform.

Nationals Park Features

Just the building of an ice rink in Nationals Park is some great news on its own but just how many things are going into it? The 2015 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Ice Plant – a custom 53-foot, 300-ton capacity truck that holds the equipment that will be making the ice – will leave the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Dec. 10 and arrive at the baseball field on Dec. 15 when the building will actually begin.

About 61,000 square feet of decking will be put in to protect the field and then the dasher boards and ice pans are scheduled to be installed after. When best part finally happens, the ice making, employees will make an almost two-inch thick surface ready for any of the best skaters to have some fun on.

Events to look forward to

Premium TV network EPIX is teaming up with the NHL with a new series called Road to the NHL Winter Classic and will premiere on Dec. 16 at 10 p.m. ET. The special feature will bring the audience onto the ice and behind-the-scenes with both teams as they prepare for the big day.

Even chefs are getting in on the fun. Food Network star and hockey fan, Duff Goldman, will be sharing Winter Classic-themed content at NHL.com during the countdown to the game. Along with this, the owner of Charm City Cakes will be bringing a special treat to Spectator Plaza on Jan. 1.

On Dec. 31, both teams will be able to get a feel of the ice for the first time for team practices and family skates. NHL Network and NHL.com will be covering the team skates all throughout the day.

The Spectator Plaza on the actual game day should not be missed either. A free fan festival will be held with hockey-themed activities, music and all kinds of fun so anyone going should bring their entire families to enjoy this memorable experience from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET. More information on the event will be coming as the days draw closer to the game.

This will be the second time that the Blackhawks will have made a Winter Classic appearance. In 2009, they lost to the Detroit Red Wings 6-4 so there will be a plan for redemption, especially since the Capitals will be looking to keep their record going after defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1 in 2011.