St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery expressed his awe at the opportunity to play an NHL hockey game at Wrigley Field during Tuesday night's Winter Classic. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the presence of a growing crowd and the historical significance of the venue, which has hosted numerous famous ballplayers over the years.
The Winter Classic, held on the final day of 2024, saw the Chicago Blackhawks hosting a grand celebration at Wrigley Field. The event featured fireworks lighting up the night sky, performances by The Smashing Pumpkins and Chance the Rapper, as well as appearances by actors Bill Murray and Jon Hamm, who received a warm reception from the crowd.
Despite the vibrant Chicago party atmosphere, it was the St. Louis Blues who emerged victorious with a commanding 6-2 win over the Blackhawks in front of a crowd of 40,933 spectators. The victory marked the Blues' third consecutive win in the Winter Classic.
St. Louis captain Brayden Schenn described the experience as amazing for both the fans and the team, especially with the added joy of winning at Wrigley Field. Defenseman Cam Fowler, who recently joined St. Louis from Anaheim, celebrated his 1,000th NHL game with two goals, becoming the first player in NHL history to achieve this milestone in an outdoor game.
For the Blackhawks, the night ended on a disappointing note as they suffered their fifth consecutive loss. Despite the support of their passionate fans, Chicago struggled to keep up with the Blues, who capitalized on a strong second period to secure the win.
Before the game, the Blackhawks paid tribute to their community by traveling to Wrigley Field on one of Chicago's iconic elevated trains. The team wore custom “Team Chicago” gear with patches honoring first responders and selected charitable organizations for their hats.
On the other hand, the Blues honored hockey legend Wayne Gretzky by wearing hats and shirts featuring the number 99 and the phrase “GRETZKY'S BASEMENT.” The team's gesture was a nod to Gretzky's contributions to the game and his impact on the St. Louis community.
Despite the challenges of navigating the visitor's clubhouse at Wrigley Field, the Blues embraced the outdoor game experience with enthusiasm. Goaltender Jordan Binnington humorously remarked on the long stairway leading to the ice, emphasizing the importance of taking things one step at a time.
The Winter Classic at Wrigley Field provided a memorable and unique experience for both teams and their fans, showcasing the rich history and passion for hockey in Chicago and St. Louis.
