Icy Chill, Snow for 2014 Winter Classic

By Samantha-Rae Tuthill, AccuWeather.com Staff Writer

December 31,2013; 4:09PM,EST

 

 

It will be a cold day for the NHL's sixth Winter Classic, being held Jan. 1 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. This year's face off will be between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The last time these teams met up was on Sept. 27, during the preseason. The Red Wings came out ahead of that matchup, 5 to 2.
The Red Wings will take on the Maple Leafs for the first time since the preseason. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
It will be snowing throughout most of the day, likely accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Temperatures will likely stay in the teens, but RealFeel temperatures could be even lower.
"The wind shouldn't be that significant, but if it gusts to 10-15 mph at all, that would be enough to take RealFeel temperatures down into the single digits for a time," said AccuWeather.com Meteorologist Brian Thompson. "People will certainly need to dress warmly."
Though the cold may be rough for fans, higher temperatures could also have an adverse effect on the game. Last year's game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers was delayed because afternoon temperatures were too high.
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Temperature regulation is crucial for playing on ice, making the outdoor Winter Classic games susceptible to the elements.
According to Tony Carlino, manager of the Olympic Sports Complex & Olympic Jumping Complex, warmer ambient air temperatures can impact ice and affect the way a skater or skating equipment can travel across the surface.
"Warmer temperatures are certainly a challenge," he said.
The pervasive snow may cause game delays or other disruptions in order to keep the rink clear.

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Have questions, comments, or a story to share? Email Samantha-Rae Tuthill at tuthills@accuweather.com, follow her on Twitter @Accu_Sam or Google+. Follow us @breakingweather, or on Facebook and Google+.

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Ryan Woodard

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Red Wings and the Maple Leafs, the Big House in Ann Arbor, Snow, and New Years Day the Winter Classic tomorrow is going to be awesome!!!!

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Randy Esquire

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I hope they hold another Winter Classic and Red Wings-Maple Leafs alumni game next year. I'll schedule no NYE gigs and go!

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Panthers Hockey Live

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Detroit Red Wings forward and set to play in tomorrow's NHL Winter Classic Drew Miller - Braehead Clan pic.twitter.com/3Ogj27tlbZ