For most players on the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, the Winter Classic is a novelty. But for Hawks' defenceman Brian Campbell, it's deja vu all over again.
Campbell played in last year's edition with the Buffalo Sabres as they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a shootout at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Blackhawks and Red Wings are set to face off at Wrigley Field in Chicago on New Year's Day.
"I've done it before so I wasn't looking around as much today. It's exciting for the team to see everything come together," said Campbell after practice. "The atmosphere will be more intense this year because it's so compact and the seats are closer."
While Campbell is not new to the concept, he is new to the sunny skies that graced the rink during Wednesday's practice.
"The sun is going to be different," added Campbell. "I didn't have to deal with the sun last year because it was overcast so if it's sunny tomorrow, it will be a little bit of a challenge, much like a hitter in baseball going from the sun to the shade."
Blackhawks' head coach Joel Quenneville agreed the elements could be factor but said the importance of the game will play a bigger factor.
"I think it's a special day and the weather could be a little bit of a factor," said Quenneville. "We expect a fast pace and the game is very important for both teams so I don't think the weather is going to slow anything down."
Ice is always a concern when playing outdoors but Quenneville explained that ice deteriorates during indoor games as well. He suggested, though, that the conditions might dictate a conservative style of play at times.
"Late in periods in any building, you've got to be smart in where you put the puck, recognizing the conditions that are ahead of you," said Quenneville. "Both teams are pretty good with the puck but maybe you have to be a little bit safer at certain times."
Campbell deferred comment on the ice conditions on Wednesday, adding that he was confident the NHL ice crew would have the playing surface in top condition by gametime.
"Let's give the ice a day because it was the first time anyone had skated on it so you need to give it some time to show the respect to the guys that are working so hard to get it ready," said Campbell. "I expect they'll work on it a lot now that guys have skated on it and it will be improved tomorrow."
Hawks' sophomore centre Patrick Kane, who is nursing an ankle injury, admittedly has few memories but is looking forward to Wednesday's game.
"I never really played that much outdoors but I have some memories of being back in Buffalo playing on a downtown rink every now and then when I was kid," said Kane. "I'm going to do my best to treat (the ankle) as much as I can today and hopefully I'll feel fine tomorrow."
When asked about the status of Kane's injury, Quenneville said the slick centreman would be in the lineup on Thursday.