The NHL Winter Classic is an annual outdoor hockey game that showcases the sport’s heritage and tradition. This year, the event was held at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 1, 2024. The game featured the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues, two teams that have a history of rivalry and passion.
The Wild win in a thrilling comeback
The game was a nail-biter, as the Wild trailed the Blues 3-1 in the second period. However, the Wild rallied back with four unanswered goals, including two by Kirill Kaprizov, the team’s star rookie. The Wild won the game 6-4, delighting the home crowd of 38,544 fans who braved the cold and snowy weather.
The Wild’s victory was their first in four appearances at the Winter Classic, and it also extended their winning streak to eight games. The Blues, on the other hand, suffered their third loss in a row, and their second at the Winter Classic.
The Kraken steal the show
The game was not the only attraction at the Winter Classic, as the NHL also put on a spectacular pre-game show that featured a giant inflatable Kraken, a mythical sea monster. The Kraken was part of a nautical theme that paid tribute to Minnesota’s lakes and rivers, as well as the state’s fishing and boating culture.
The Kraken was accompanied by other inflatable creatures, such as a walleye, a loon, and a beaver. The show also included live performances by local musicians, such as the band Trampled by Turtles, and a choir of fishmongers who sang the national anthem.
The Kraken was a hit with the fans and the players, who posed for pictures with the beast before and after the game. The Kraken also inspired some witty comments on social media, such as “Release the Kraken!” and “The Kraken has been unleashed!”
Elvis makes an appearance
Another highlight of the Winter Classic was the appearance of Elvis Presley, or rather, his impersonator. Ryan “Elvis” Pelton, a professional Elvis tribute artist, performed during the first intermission of the game. He sang some of Elvis’ classic songs, such as “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Hound Dog”, while wearing a white jumpsuit and a fur coat.
Pelton’s performance was a homage to Elvis’ famous concert at the Metropolitan Sports Center in Bloomington, Minnesota, on January 6, 1977, which was his last public appearance before his death. Pelton said he was honored to be part of the Winter Classic, and that he hoped to bring some joy and nostalgia to the fans.
A memorable event
The NHL Winter Classic was a memorable event that showcased the best of hockey and entertainment. The game was exciting and competitive, the pre-game show was creative and fun, and the intermission performance was nostalgic and lively. The event also celebrated the history and culture of Minnesota, and the spirit and passion of its people.
