2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic

 Flyers vs. Rangers in Citizens Bank Park

As promised, I would post some pictures from the 2012 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic in Philadelphia! The day itself was amazing filled with eager fans for both the Flyers and the Rangers. We woke up early (first stop was WaWa) and had a fun filled morning at the tailgate. The Citizens Bank Park lot was full of fans from both teams and contrary to some beliefs about Philadelphia fans- we made friends with Ranger fans parked across from us in the lot. Okay, I admit we all had some friendly banter going on!

Once we got to our seats the crowd was memorized. The crisp cool air encompassed all 46,967 fans and it even started to snow in the 2^nd period. To say the least, it was a perfect setting and crowd for the Winter Classic was on their feet. According to NHL.com Flyers coach Peter Laviolette said, "The Winter Classic is a tremendous event, and our organization is thrilled to be a part of it.  To play in an atmosphere like tonight, you know, the only thing disappointing for us was the result."

In the end, the Flyers lost to the Rangers 3-2. The glimmer of hope with a penalty shot from  Danny Briere was lost in the end as Lundqvist “stood on his head” yet again with some amazing play. From a special blog from Briere for NHL.com (after the game) he stated, “Coming in on Lundqvist, I had beaten him once on the blocker side, once on the glove side. He had stopped me a couple times before as well in shootouts, but I was still convinced I was going to score. I tried to surprise him with a quick little shot, unfortunately he was quicker than me. I've got to give him credit for that”.

I will always cherish these memories for the 2012 Bridgestone Winter Classic in Philadelphia. Not only do I consider Philadelphia my original hometown but I was able to spend the day with my closest friends who all grew up in Philadelphia as well. We don’t get to do these things all together normally, so seeing the joy on everyone’s faces as we took pictures, danced to the bands in the streets and watched the game together- it all added to the "once in a lifetime" memories from the event. 

Enjoy the pictures below!

 Our 2012 Winter Classic Crew!

 About to head in Citizens Bank Park!

 Let's go Flyers!

 The Flyers and Rangers are ready to go! 

 Love when the Jets flew overhead!

 Start of the game

Priceless memories :)

If you missed my pictures from the leagues Winter Classic family skate at Citizens Bank Park (night before the game) click here to check them out!

Image Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008339-2012-nhl-winter-classic-5-reasons-citizens-bank-park-has-been-the-best-venue

Family Skate on Winter Classic Ice

2012 Winter Classic- Family Skate at Citizens Bank Park

Family Skate on Winter Classic Ice

Happy 2012!! 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and great start to 2012! The year ended with great memories as I traveled back to the US to see family and friends for Christmas and spent the New Year in Philadelphia! A highlight to start off this New Year is the fact that the 2012 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic was held Monday, January 2, 2012 at Citizen Bank Park in Philadelphia! It was the first time the Winter Classic was not played on New Year’s Day but for anyone in Philadelphia who follow the mummers that may not have worked out so well anyway! I will write all about the game tomorrow but today I want to highlight the fact I was able to be on the Winter Classic ice at the leagues family skate the night before the game! It was amazing!

Upon arrival at Citizens Bank Park there was a flurry of excitement as the final preparations were being made for the 2012 NHL Winter Classic Game Flyers vs. Rangers. Signs were being raised, seats were getting their warmers, camera crews were getting their angles on the jumbo screen and sound checks were being called. When I got down to the ice it was filled with Rangers players and their families- and the atmosphere was overflowing with laughter and playfulness.

As we got underneath Citizens Bank Park I was able to scope out the locker rooms for the Flyers and my excitement grew. I couldn't get my skates on fast enough! Stepping onto the Winter Classic ice was such a memorable experience and so much fun! The weather was crisp, the ice was solid and I was able to meet the refs and linesmen scheduled to be in the game (and their families). The HBO Crew was wrapping up for the night and we were engulfed with the singing of the national anthem by Lauren Hart. We even got to hear sound check from ‘The Roots’! I’m a huge Roots and drummer ?uestlove fan! After the skate I was able to say a quick hello to ?uestlove too! Seriously what an amazing night! 

 Enjoy some of the pics below! :)

 Rangers Players Family Skate

 Brett and I at the family skate! 

 Great view from the ice!

 Winter Classic Ice (night before the game)

 Flyers Bench

The Roots!

 ?uestlove from The Roots!

Image Source: Rob Carr/ Getty Images, http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1008339-2012-nhl-winter-classic-5-reasons-citizens-bank-park-has-been-the-best-venue

24/7 Road to NHL Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers

"Road to NHL Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers" Treat!

If you have never watched the HBO documentary about the NHL Winter Classic- you must check out "24/7 Road to Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers"! I started watching this documentary leading up to the 2011 Winter Classic (for the Penguins vs. Capitals), and I was glued to the series each week! It had me ready to go when we went to the Winter Classic last year. The series added a sense of anticipation and drama to the event itself, since you get a behind look into what the teams are going through leading up to the game. Last years Winter Classic game was amazing and as an added bonus I even got to go to the teams "family skate" on the ice in the middle of Heinz Field! It was a weekend I will never forget! 

With all that excitement from last year, 2012 is no exception! This year the Winter Classic will be held in Philadelphia (Flyers vs. Rangers) and I will be cheering on and supporting this city where I grew up (Philadelphia)! It is looking to be quite the "hot ticket" for all those attending!

This documentary goes behind the scenes of each team and follows the players/coaches personally and professionally leading up to the epic game held outdoors in January. If you are just a fan of the teams, show love for the game, cheer for your city or want to gear up to go to the Winter Classic itself- you must watch the HBO series "Road to NHL Winter Classic- Flyers vs. Rangers"! I can't wait to watch the series and see the Winter Classic 2012!

Here are some pictures from the Winter Classic 2011 (Capitals vs. Penguins).

 Winter Classic is about to start! I even had my white snowboard pants on in case of snow!

 Warm Up

 Ovi getting the crowd amped up!

Post Winter Classic- I was able to go to the teams "family skate" at Heinz Field! 

Image Source: http://blogs.theprovince.com/2012/01/06/hbo-247-flyers-rangers-review-full-of-bryz-and-vinegar/