The way that the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs got to play it in this year's Winter Classic.
Temperatures in the teens and wind chills in the single digits froze the water in Leafs goaltender Jonathan Bernier's water bottle at least once every period. Wind gusts in the double digits and a steady snowfall cut visibility, slowed the puck, and forced stoppages of play so that the ice could be cleared old school, with shovels.
The 105,491 fans stayed through regulation, overtime, and a shootout, keeping warm with many layers of clothing and the first liquor to ever be legally consumed in the Big House. When it was over, no one left disappointed. Our teams fought hard under the most challenging conditions and gave us an experience that we will never forget.
I think that the players had as much fun as we did.
How could they not?
