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Bruins Fans Getting Fired Up for Historic Winter Classic

The media hype for the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park is in full swing, and the sight of Bruins legends like Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Cam Neely and Terry O’Reilly had to get any New England hockey fan’s juices flowing on a cold December day Friday.

So what are fans thinking of the outdoor game set to take place in their beloved and historic ballpark in less than two weeks on New Year’s Day?

"Fenway Park hosting the Winter Classic is a dream come true for all hockey and baseball fans in the Boston and New England area," Brian Ferraro, 35, of Somerville and now Reading said. "It has quickly become the coolest tradition in sports, and Bruins fans have waited patiently for the Classic to come to Fenway."

Ferraro envisions a very festive and rowdy atmosphere as well, making Kenmore Square feel more like a tailgate at a college football game.

"Pints will be flowing in every Boston bar, and the excitement and festive atmosphere will be unreal," Ferraro said.

Ferraro’s one quarrel with the 2010 Winter Classic seemed to be the matchup.

"My only regret is that we're not welcoming our beloved Habs to Fenway, but the Broad Street Bullies will do nicely," he said with a laugh.

Ferraro also has a suggestion for the Bruins' marketing department. 
 
"I'm calling it right now, and I hope you have some pull in this area: It would be an epic cross-marketing campaign if the Bruins wore red socks on the Fenway ice," he pointed out.

Jaci Donahe of Cambridge is a lifelong season-ticket holder and will actually be attending the game.

"The Winter Classic is a once in a lifetime experience," she said. "But the Winter Classic at Fenway Park is a priceless, once in a lifetime experience. It ranks up there with being at a Stanley Cup Final game if I ever get the chance to be at one of those.

"Who would ever dream that fans could watch the Bruins play at Fenway Park on New Year's Day? I never thought it could happen," she added. "Imagine if they did the Winter Classic back when players like Bobby Orr, Cam Neely or Ray Bourque played. I bet any one of those players would come out of retirement to skate for 30 seconds in the game."

As Donahe pointed out, nothing can put a damper on this Classic. It is a historic moment to be treasured by everyone.

"Fans can't take the opportunity for granted," she said. "Whether the Bruins win or lose, the experience is what matters, and even if I catch pneumonia sitting outside for hours, I will probably never get the chance again. I am going to enjoy every single second of the game."

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NESN.com’s James Murphy will be answering one Winter Classic question every day in December.

Friday, Dec. 18: What does the Winter Classic mean to Mark Recchi?

Sunday, Dec. 20: What does Bruins captain Zdeno Chara think about the Classic?