NHL Preparing for Stadium Series

Like nothing else has in the history of the NHL, the Winter Classic has become an annual event - a much anticipated mainstay of the sporting calendar every January first.

This year, hoping that its success is due more to the outdoor hockey than the day on which its played, the NHL is going all in.

Next weekend will begin the NHL's Stadium Series; four outdoor games to be played at three different stadiums across the U.S.

The first, oddly enough, will be played in the Southern California sun next Saturday between the Ducks and the Kings at the baseball park Chavez Ravine.

The final of the four games will be played March first between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks at the Windy City's Soldier Field.

Which I think may be the coolest of the four.  If I wasn't a Ranger fan and contractually obligated to scour the Earth for tickets to either game at Yankee Stadium, I'd be looking to make my way to Chicago for Blackhawks-Penguins.  Think about it, historic Soldier Field, the defending Stanley Cup Champions taking on the world's best player - Sidney Crosby - in their home town.  Job well done by the NHL with this matchup.

If you're thinking like I am, by the way, we're giving you a chance to win a trip to both Chicago and the game - air fair to and from Chicago for you and a guest, a night of hotel accommodations, and a pair of tickets to the game, plus $300 in spending cash.

To enter the contest, you must become a VIP. Sign-up is free, and qualifies you for tons of contests like this one, plus games, prizes, and exclusive content.

Good luck, and happy hockey!