2010-2011 NHL Announcement Reactions

So the NHL chose today to make such major announcements for next season.

First of all, they chose the location and match-ups for the NHL Winter Classic.

For those who don't know, the NHL Winter Classic is a New Year's Day tradition, this will be the fourth year, and the NHL has two teams play outdoors. The first three games have been really exciting and the locations have been different.

This year the game will be held at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as the Penguins host the Washington Capitals. While the game is great on paper, I have one major problem with it. This is only the fourth Winter Classic and they are already repeating teams? Are you serious? Pittsburgh played in the first Classic game against Buffalo. I guess it's okay because of the high profile players, but come on? There was no where else and no other teams to have in this game?

In addition to the US outdoor game, Canada has been given one too as the Flames will host the Canadiens in the 2011 Hertiage Classic at the McMahon Stadium in Calgary. It's a cool idea and I hope it happens without a hitch like the game in Pittsburgh.

Moving on, I'm very excited to see that the All-Star Game is back this year. The game will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina. I say absolutely awesome!

They also announced that the NHL Premiere games are back again. The NHL seems to love to send teams to Europe at the start of the season. This year they are sending the Bruins, Hurricanes, Blue Jackets, Wild, Coyotes and Sharks overseas. It's not a big deal, I just hope it doesn't mess up the teams when they get back like last year.

Finally the one major announcement that I'm very excited about. For years there has been a special day up in Canada, Hockey Day in Canada, where the country celebrates the sport and the major part of it is a triple-header with all six Canadian teams. Well this year the NHL and NBC are teaming up for the first ever, Hockey Day in America where there will be games and a celebration. They haven't announced all the details but it's definitely something to look forward to.

Overall, while I may not like the Winter Classic match-up, these are some very cool announcements and gives hockey fans like myself, alot to look forward to next season.