Blues, Blackhawks: Making the Winter Classic Count
Photo: The Pink Puck
Thanks to the NHL, we have a 2017 Winter Classic weekend “by the numbers.”
1 First-ever NHL outdoor regular-season game played by the St. Louis Blues. They become the 23rd NHL team to participate in such a game.
3 The number of Grammy Awards won by Nelly, who will headline The PreGame presented by Enterprise on Game Day.
4 Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko ranks fourth amongst NHL scoring leaders with 39 points (16-23-39) through games played on Dec. 29.
11.5 Number of hours the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic PreGame presented by Enterprise will be open. Fans of all ages are welcome to join the NHL and its corporate partners at Ballpark Village in parking lots A & B across from Gate 4 of Busch Stadium for a free fan festival with hockey-themed attractions, music and fun. The PreGame presented by Enterprise will be open at 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Dec. 31; Noon–4 p.m. CT on Sunday, Jan. 1; and 9 a.m.–Noon CT on Monday, Jan. 2.
12 The longtime Central Division rivals have met 12 times in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, facing off at least once in each of the past five decades, including a seven-game First Round series won by St. Louis in 2016.
18.5 The economic impact of the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic is expected to generate $18.5 million for the St. Louis region, according to the St. Louis Regional Chamber.
19 Number worn by Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews who has scored the most points in NHL regular-season outdoor games (2-4-6 in 4 GP).
24 Average low temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for St. Louis, Missouri on January 2, according to weather.com.
36 Average temperature in degrees Fahrenheit at puck drop for the eight NHL Winter Classic® games (2008 – 31.1°, 2009 – 31.9°, 2010 – 39.6°, 2011 – 51.7°, 2012 – 41°, 2014 – 13°, 2015 – 37°, 2016 – 41°).
39 Average high temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for St. Louis, Missouri on January 2, according weather.com.
50 The St. Louis Blues are celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2016-17. They entered the NHL with five other teams in the 1967 NHL expansion (California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins).
53 Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for outdoor games conducted by the NHL.
59 Combined points scored by Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (1-24-25) and Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (8-16-24), who rank fourth and tied for fifth, respectively, in scoring by NHL defensemen through games played on Dec. 29.
243 Number of ice pans under the main rink at Busch Stadium, each measuring 30” x 340” in size.
260 Approximate distance, in miles, separating St. Louis and Chicago.
300 Ton capacity of refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Busch Stadium.
304 Number of all-time regular season meetings between the Blues and the Blackhawks, including the three matchups from this season. The Blues (123-133-48) have earned 294 points and the Blackhawks (146-113-45) have earned 337 points in these meetings. Blackhawks lead this season’s series 2-1 after a 6-4 victory on Dec. 17.
350 Gallons of paint used to make the Busch Stadium ice white.
591 Players and head coaches who have participated in the League’s 19 regular-season outdoor games to date.
1,000 Number of youth patients expected to use the upgraded teen lounge at St Louis Children’s Hospital annually. The interactive lounge was recently completed as part of the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Legacy Project executed by the St Louis Blues, Companions in Courage and the NHL.
1,875 Gallons of Hot Chocolate will be served to fans at Busch Stadium during the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, according to Delaware North Sportservice.
2006 Year Busch Stadium was opened.
3,000 Gallons of coolant used to freeze the Busch Stadium rink.
16,754 The number of hot dogs that will be consumed by fans at Busch Stadium during the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, according to Delaware North Sportservice.
20,000 Gallons of water needed to create a two-inch ice surface at Busch Stadium for the 2017 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic.
1,054,295 Total attendance for the NHL’s 19 regular-season outdoor games, an average of 55,489 per game.
A few additional notes courtesy of The Pink Puck:
- 50 It’s 50 degrees and overcast with just under an hour until faceoff for the Winter Classic Alumni Game.
- 12/14 The day the NHL and Blues unveiled the Companions of Courage revamped teen lounge at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. According to the NHL, the lounge will be used exclusively by youth in-patients and was designed with technology in mind–helping teens and young adults gather and have easy access to technology to connect with friends and family outside of the hospital. It includes new flat-screen computers with web conferencing cameras, Xbox 360 game consoles, games, activities, craft tables with LED lighting, and decor featuring Blues players.
“I was born in St. Louis and put on my first pair of skates in the suburb of Kirkwood. I always hoped that Companions in Courage could one day give back to the place where I was born,” said Pat LaFontaine, NHL Vice President of Hockey Development and Community Affairs. “I am thrilled this year’s Winter Classic Legacy project will introduce technology to the healing process for pediatric patients for years to come.” - 53 The percentage chance of rain Monday from about 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT, with a high of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The Winter Classic will be moved to Tuesday night if the weather does not cooperate.
