Nearly two years after the Boston Bruins hosted the Winter Classic and Boston College-Boston University faced off a week later, Fenway Park is playing host again in 2012.
Earlier this summer Hockey East released the Frozen Fenway event – a double header between Massachusetts-Vermont and New Hampshire-Maine on January 7th which falls on the same day as the Vancouver Canucks-Boston Bruins rematch– now announced another contest a week later.
This time it will be the Northeastern Huskies facing off against Boston College on January 14th. With Northeastern’s inclusion, all three Boston area Hockey East schools will have played at the famed ballpark.
I am neither for or against these outdoor games. Everyone wants to be apart of these games nowadays and leagues will do everything in their power to include everybody. Lets face it these outdoor games are made for TV anyways.
With the addition of NBC Sports as a media partner which was also announced this week could we more games at Fenway in the near future?
I thought two years ago, the summer the Winter Classic and the BC-BU games was announced, I thought why not the Beanpot?
For those who don’t know what the Beanpot is, it’s a four team tournament which features the three Hockey East Boston area teams and Harvard which plays in the ECAC conference. It’s held the first two Mondays in February. The first Monday is the semi-finals and the second Monday is the Finals and the third place game. These games are non-conference games but factor in the team’s overall record.
You have to think NBC Sports or NESN – I am unsure who will have the media rights to the event in the future – would be interested in having the Beanpot at Fenway Park. You may have to breakaway tradition a little bit and have the games played on Saturday to get a crowd. You have to factor in weather which could be one of the main reason why they don”t have it Fenway. Rescheduling an institution like Beanpot would a disaster.
It was a just a thought I had. This is no rumor I have heard or read, just speculation on my part.
Games this Weekend
Friday’s Games
Maine vs. Boston College
The Eagles should win. I think the Black Bears can keep it close, but don’t have the depth.
Massachusetts vs. New Hampshire
This should be a close game, but New Hampshire has the better top end talent and will prevail.
Saturday’s Games
Boston College vs. Massachusetts
I don’t expect the Eagles to think they have this one in the bag, but if there was ever a game where they might sleepwalk it’s this one. I still like Boston College.
Boston University vs. UMass Lowell
I like Boston University in this contest. They can relieve some of the pressure from the fans and the media if they have a solid showing.
Maine vs. New Hampshire
We have a rivalry game here where anything can happen. Maine has struggled recently at the Whittamore Center, the home of New Hampshire. I think it will be an offensive minded game as both team’s goaltending situation has been shaky. I like UNH to come out on top.
Weekend Series (Friday-Saturday)
Northeastern vs. Merrimack
Merrimack should sweep, but I go out on a limb and Northeastern catches Merrimack off guard on Friday night. I think Merrimack bounces back on Saturday night.
Vermont vs. Providence
I think these games can go either way both nights. I think Vermont can come in on Friday night and beat Providence who got swept last weekend at Maine I say Vermont wins a closer game on Saturday night also.