Hello Buzz on the Burgh readers, my name is Brad Steckel and I will be posting my thoughts, opinions, and analysis on the Pittsburgh Penguins. I played the game of ice hockey for 12 years and have a lot of knowledge on Penguin hockey; past and present. I have followed the Penguins my whole life, hockey is my passion and I am glad to join The Buzz on the Burgh community. You can contact me at pensrinkrat@gmail.com.
According to WKBW News out of Buffalo and Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the Ice Bowl is set for January 1st in Buffalo.
The Penguins will start 2008 in cool style by playing an outdoor game in Buffalo on New Year’s Day.
Several NHL officials said today that the game between the Penguins and Sabres on Jan. 1, 2008 will be played at Ralph Wilson Stadium, home of the NFL’s Bills. In a made-for-television event — the game will air nationally on NBC — the Penguins and Sabres will skate on an outdoor rink in front of what the NHL hopes will prove the largest audience ever to watch an NHL game in the United States.
Neither the league nor NBC would officially confirm the tentatively titled “Ice Bowl,” which is scheduled to be played at 1 p.m. An official announcement is expected on Sept. 10, prior to the start of training camp.
My Take: I love the idea; the NHL picks two loyal fan groups and two hockey towns for the 2008 Ice Bowl. I want this to be a success for the NHL, I just wish they could have maybe picked a different date for the game. January 1st still has a lot of the College Football Bowl Games that day, the timing of the bowl games and this game will determine the ratings.
