Winter Classic at UM might be nixed

10/30/2012

ANN ARBOR — ESPN.com reported Monday that the NHL is expected to cancel the Winter Classic later this week.

The annual outdoor hockey game is scheduled to be played Jan. 1 at Michigan Stadium, but the NHL has canceled all regular-season games through the end of November because of a player lockout. ESPN.com reported that the NHL will announce the cancellation on Thursday.

Michigan’s contract with the NHL for the Winter Classic, obtained by the Blade through a Freedom of Information Act request, does not specify a date in regards to announcing a Winter Classic cancellation but states that the NHL has the right to cancel the Winter Classic up to the day of the event.

If the Winter Classic is canceled on or before Friday, Michigan retains an initial payment of $100,000 (part of a $3 million rental fee); if it’s canceled Saturday or later, Michigan retains the $100,000 payment and will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket costs associated with the event.

— Rachel Lenzi