With Wrigley Field returning as the 2025 Winter Classic venue at the Chicago Cubs’ home plate , hockey fans are in for an unforgettable treat. This year’s Winter Classic is set to take the outdoor experience to a whole new level with the “Frozen Confines”—a two-day event showcasing not only the much anticipated NHL rivalry game but also featuring three Big Ten men’s games and a Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) women’s game.
The Home for Outdoor Hockey: Friendly to “Frozen Confines”
Known as the “Friendly Confines,” Wrigley Field first hosted outdoor hockey in 2009, with a matchup between the Chicago Blackhawks and the then-defending Stanley Cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings. Despite the Blackhawks’ 4-6 defeat in that showdown, the game became a memorable chapter in their history, paving the way for their Stanley Cup victory the following year. Although it was a loss, it wasn’t the last time Chicago fans would see the Blackhawks in the Winter Classic.
While Wrigley Field will host the 2025 Winter Classic, it’s not the first non-hockey stadium where the Chicago Blackhawks have played. In 2014 , they played the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears. Regardless of the heavy snowfall, fans from both cities braved the cold to support their teams. The Blackhawks won 5-1, with a celebration goal from Jonathan Toews , Brandon Saad , and Patrick Sharp .
In the following year, the Blackhawks faced the Washington Capitals at Nationals Park in the 2015 Winter Classic, but they were narrowly defeated 3-2. Despite this loss, the Blackhawks soon captured another Stanley Cup that season.
Third time’s the charm? In 2017 , the Blackhawks hosted the St. Louis Blues at Busch Stadium for the Winter Classic, but loss 4-1. Their most recent Winter Classic appearance was against the Boston Bruins at Notre Dame Stadium, where they were defeated 4-1.
With a 0-4 record in the Winter Classic, it’s time for a change. The 2025 Winter Classic on Dec. 31, will return to Wrigley Field , and the Blackhawks will once again face their division rivals, the St. Louis Blues. With a hometown advantage and a rematch against their rivals, Wrigley Field offers more for the 2025 Winter Classic.
Chicago Growing The Game of Hockey at the Collegiate Level
It’s no surprise that the Blackhawks have a strong connection with Big Ten schools, with several players joining their ranks over the years. Notably, Frank Nazar III, a Blackhawks prospect drafted in 2022, previously played for the University of Michigan , a prominent Big Ten hockey team. This year, the Big Ten will have a significant presence in the 2025 Winter Classic festivities. As part of the “Frozen Confines” Big Ten men’s and women’s hockey teams will showcase their talent in this historic ballpark, boosting Chicago’s hockey scene.
The Match-ups
On Jan. 3, in a double header, Penn State will face Notre Dame. Ohio State will play Michigan University to determine the top teams. The following day, Jan. 4, Wisconsin will battle Michigan State in men’s hockey. Ohio State’s women’s team, the defending national champions, will take on Wisconsin’s women’s team.
CBS News Chicago reported that all six men’s teams in the series were ranked in the top 20 last season. With Michigan, Michigan State, and Wisconsin all finishing in the top 10. Michigan also advanced to the Men’s Frozen Four for the third consecutive year. On the women’s side, Ohio State and Wisconsin have dominated the past five national championships, squaring off in the last two NCAA finals.
Chris Chelios , a former Blackhawk and Red Wing, recently had his No. 7 jersey retired at the United Center. Chelios, who also played in the 2009 Winter Classic as a Red Wing, commented on the venue’s significance, as quoted by the Daily Herald :
“People come from all over the country, all over the world to see the setting of Wrigley Field and the beauty of it. It’s special,” Chelios said. “There’s no other venue in the world like it…the students, the women, now get the opportunity to do the same thing as the men,” Chelios said. “That’s incredible, especially when you have daughters that play sports.”
Additional details on the match-ups will be released in the coming months. If you’re eager to catch these Big Ten teams in action and don’t mind bundling up, tickets go on sale Aug. 30. Chicago is gearing up for a season filled with hockey and remains a proud home for the sport. The city will kick off the new year in true Chicago style—by celebrating with a game of hockey.
Main Photo: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
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