December 31st 2024.
8-year-old Chicagoan Conrad Brewer was not impressed with the amount of St. Louis Blues representation at the fan festival before the hockey game at Wrigley Field. He pointed out the numerous statues, flags, and signs dedicated to the Blues and thought that there should be more focus on the Chicago Blackhawks, considering it was their hometown. As the light rain fell on the parking lot, Brewer shared his thoughts on the festivities, which were set to continue until 3:30 p.m. before the NHL Winter Classic began.
Despite the Blues having a record of .500 and the Hawks being in last place, Brewer confidently predicted that his team would come out on top with a score of 2-1. He believed that the Hawks would strike first, followed by a tie from the Blues, but ultimately the hometown team would emerge victorious. However, on the ice, the Blues were leading 2-1 after the first period. The Hawks were on a losing streak and had not won an outdoor game since 2014.
As fans in red and black, equipped with umbrellas and ponchos, made their way to the festival, they were greeted by volunteers who directed them towards a free hot chocolate table, sponsored by Pepsi. In addition to trying to stay dry in the dreary weather, fans could also take part in various activities such as taking a picture with the Stanley Cup, playing a hockey puck claw machine, shooting pucks, and challenging friends to a game of giant air hockey. They could also try to get an autograph from Blackhawks legend Denis Savard and purchase merchandise.
Legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky, along with Savard and Hawks color commentator Darren Pang, spoke on a panel during the festival. Despite the early start time of 10:30 a.m., the bar in the middle of the wet parking lot was not busy, but there were a few fans taking advantage of the opportunity to grab a drink. 21-year-old Hayden Welch, a senior at DePaul University, had returned to Chicago for winter break and was determined to catch a glimpse of the Stanley Cup and meet Gretzky. Meanwhile, Camille Bearden, who had driven from St. Louis with her husband and another couple, was enjoying the festival despite the rain. She was surprised by the number of St. Louis fans in attendance and particularly enjoyed the Skee-Ball-inspired puck shooting game.
Nick Bostjancic, an 18-year-old from the southwest suburbs, was at the festival with his 13-year-old brother and was planning on attending the game as well. Both brothers were avid hockey players and fans, and Bostjancic had been to four outdoor games before, all of which the Hawks had lost. He wasn't expecting much from the game but was excited to have his own hockey trading card made at the festival.
Licensed NHL artist S. Preston was also at the festival, selling a limited edition Winter Classic print featuring the phrase "Madhouse on Addison," a nod to the street where Wrigley Field is located and the nickname for the Blackhawks' usual home. Preston's artwork is known for being clever and fun, and he described it as "non-man cave art" that would look great in any living room.
This Winter Classic game at Wrigley Field was the fifth appearance for the Blackhawks and their seventh outdoor game overall, as hockey was originally played outdoors. Despite the dreary weather and the recent struggles of Chicago sports teams, fans from both cities came together to enjoy the festival and the game.
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