In conjunction with the National Hockey League, the Chicago Blackhawks proudly announced today the team will host the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings in an outdoor regular-season game, the NHL Winter Classic 2009, to be played at Wrigley Field on January 1, 2009, at 12:00 P.M. CT.

“We have said from the start we are going to do everything possible to bring the Chicago Blackhawks back to the forefront of sports for our fans and the city of Chicago. This is indeed an historic announcement for the Wirtz Corporation, the Chicago Blackhawks, for our players, fans and for Chicago," stated Blackhawks Chairman W. Rockwell “Rocky” Wirtz.

"I am deeply appreciative to John McDonough and his team, to Commissioner Gary Bettman and the National Hockey League, the Chicago Cubs organization and of course to Mayor Richard M. Daley and the city of Chicago for working together to make this game happen. We expect interest to be on an international level for this once in a lifetime event."

Related Links: Hawks To Host WInter Classic Hawks, Wings To Meet Outdoors Winter Classic FAQ Press Conference Tuesday

The NHL Winter Classic 2009 will be the second regular-season NHL outdoor game to be played in the United States, and just the third in League history. More information on the New Year’s Day contest will be announced by the NHL soon.

The game will be televised live nationally by NBC, while CBC and RDS will televise the event live nationally in Canada. NHL Radio will provide coverage for radio stations across North America, and NHL.com will provide extensive digital video coverage.

The NHL will announce each team’s full regular-season schedule tomorrow, Thursday, July 17.